How to Play the Bb Chord on Ukulele in 3 Easy Steps

In this lesson, discover how to play the dreaded Bb chord on ukulele with confidence and no buzzing strings. If you have arthritis or stiff fingers, you may find these tips and tricks helpful.
You learn the techniques to master the Bb chord, including:
1. Positioning right behind the frets
2. Leveraging the thumb
3. Modifying the barre chord
Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to Ukulele Tricks for more step-by-step lessons, covers, and more.

[@strxberrygacha4437]

I HATE IT ITS SO HARD I CANT TAKE IT IM DYING IM SO MAD I WANT TO BREAK MY UKULELE

[@developer2]

IKR

[@dayozea1268]

SAME RN

[@faus585]

SAMEE

[@bluechan3589]

@Geekmemer for all, I've been struggling with this chord too. My advice would be to check if the nut is too high. My uku used to have the nut too high, wasting me too much power on pressing the 1st fret. Once I lower the nut, the problem is solved.

[@makaio7202]

😂😂😂i agree

[@miniupadhyay1694]

Bb chord is gonna haunt my soul forever. So good to see so many people who relate.

[@eden4470]

my pointer just literally physically refuses to bend

[@nath8291]

Bb chord is literally hell

[@JR127]

more hell than the spawn of satan E ?!?

[@jiritriska5130]

same opinion here..., simply can't play it

[@cheyenneyoungblood4191]

@@JR127 Bbm is also a spawn of satan. I can never get it right and it's killing me man.

[@kenrutherford1109]

Bb is a piece of cake for me

[@mariellepriest7246]

Is it just me or when you play the Bb and the A string doesn’t make a sound, don’t you wanna rip out your string?

[@strxberrygacha4437]

Kitsune Fox IK IM SO MAD I CSNT TAKE THIS

[@karolypirate7660]

Yes I want to change my string too

[@mercury_xxo]

I fEeL U ToO GoOd🤡🔫

[@MB-ev9ix]

it is physically impossible for me to barre and honestly its pissing me off-

[@sheeetube]

same pinch dude

[@cassiopeia8066]

*sorry, my hand isn't that big.*

[@aspenvardi81]

I switched to the ukulele because I kept running into the hand too small problem with guitar and I HAVE SOLVED NO ISSUES

[@bugsandbrushes]

Such a nice and calm presentation. I suspect there is a correlation between lovely people and ukuleles... :D

[@larushka1]

Brett - as a senior uke player, my arthritis has bent my fingers, so barring chords is out of the question.... even just holding two strings. I’ve found I have to modify everything. So, for Bb, I just play the GCE strings - so much easier. Equally for the wicked E, which is impossible for arthritic hands, I either substitute with an Em, Em7 or E7, depending on the song. Ive found that you have to go with what works, and not what is ‘correct’ - best advice given to me by a very pro player. Thanks for your videos.

[@UkuleleTricks]

This is great advice! Thank you for sharing.

[@kristinat8561]

hey ,if anyone else is searching for how to learn how to play the ukulele try Trefendous Amazing Uke Tips (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some decent things about it and my cousin got excellent results with it.

[@karolypirate7660]

I don't press the A string too

[@OneMusicSchool]

I don't know why I'm just finding you now. You're a great teacher!

[@karolypirate7660]

I found this too😅 but it didn't work😥

[@Unknown-sd8bv]

I saw your vids😊

[@mandarina4310]

2:57 i came here crying ready to break my ukulele and left crying but happily

[@UkuleleTricks]

Another ukulele saved! I've done my job :)

[@jasmine1327]

No matter how hard I tried to press down on a bar code, I can’t, My finger starts hurting My hands are to soft meaning no matter how much pressure I put, it will just make a muffled noice So I got frustrated

[@o-7425]

Hey Its Jasmine Same... *my fingers are just too short I guess*

[@Bossbaby4573]

Jasmine I got fat fucking ginger’s so I keep pressing the wrong string

[@mikaelarossmanclark4564]

oh my gosh. not only am I thrilled to find this video and your tips, I feel so relieved that apparently I'm not the only one struggling with this one!

[@UkuleleTricks]

You're in good company! This is a challenging chord for most ukulele players!

[@readergreg60]

I can never get b minor to sound right.

[@elenagruber5953]

I am struggling with that one like most of the people in the comments, but from playing the piano I can claim that the chords and patterns that seemed impossible once will become easy to master some day if you keep practising ambitiously and with discipline. I am eager to achieve it with this chord as well.

[@chantalsaulnier2746]

@Elena Gruber thank you for your optimism 😊 I love it . ❤

[@annakaro9081]

I found the best sounding (IMO) way, while watching this video. It's super easy: 1) Pretend that the G string doesn't exist, don't pluck it. 2) Put 4th finger on C string 2nd fret. 3) Make a barre on E and A strings with the index finger. 4) This is where the magic happens. You will have your middle finger free - use it to press down on the index finger, just behind your fingernail. This will make the barre sound way smoother. I saw some people recommending to skip A string instead, but I don't like it because it makes the chord end on a low note. So, this way is perfect for me, at least until I learn how to barre.

[@tonyhelliar3719]

Thanks. Yes, this works for me. I just can’t get it to sound using the normal positions.

[@jackie62496]

Ugh I wish this helped me. My ring finger always grazes the c string so it muffles it I wanna give up I have been playing my uke long enough but I can never get this chord

[@thexulterius]

Ugh yes this is my problem too. It sucks 😢

[@UkuleleTricks]

Hang in there, Jacks! It's not an easy chord. One alternative I didn't get a chance to mention in the video is to fret Bb 321X where you skip the bottom A-string. You might start here as you continue to strengthen your fingers for that barre chord.

[@christinemarie007]

Barring the 4 chords instead of the 2 chords did the trick to me. I couldn't have done it otherwise. Thank you so much for the tip, I really appreciate it.

[@UkuleleTricks]

I'm glad that did the trick!

[@juderandall703]

This is another excellent, crystal clear vid. Bb is a challenge for many of my students. We drill the primary chords in the key of F to warm up before we play any song with the Bb chord in it ie. F - Dm - Bb - C7 - F, followed by a few songs in the key of F. Leave your uke out on a stand & play the F chord drill every time you walk past it. I too suffer with arthritic fingers & find playing on a Tenor size uke accomodates my mishapen fingers much better as the frets are wider, hope this helps some of you out there xx

[@UkuleleTricks]

Thanks for your comment! This is a great drill you suggest and hits all the common chords found in the key of F major - a common ukulele song key.

[@C3PO_]

Wonderful - the third tip, i.e., barring all four strings with the index finger really works! Almost got a cramp in my hand before... Thanks so much!

[@mariellepriest7246]

“Make sure that it’s right up behind-“ Me- this wont work :( Me- holy shizzle it worked °-°

[@chayadas3581]

Ahhh...tbh your voice is relaxing 😌

[@mikenco]

"How the hell do I play a Bb chord!?.. oh, there's a KZbin video... and of course, it's our mate Brett!" - Thank you, again!!

[@UkuleleTricks]

I got you my friend!

[@MichaelSmith-yy8fw]

Ditto Laruska1. I too find the B flat almost impossible (so too the G chord) but I’ve found that modifying the chords a little and just playing the relevant strings I can get away with sounding pretty close. Thanks for the videos. I am a student 👨‍🎓 of your strumming course and am waiting for an opening in your fingerpicking course. The free lessons sold me on your style. Older players may have to modify a little but we can still learn to play the ukulele. Music is such a gift! Mike

[@UkuleleTricks]

Good job to you on finding ways to modify these difficult chords. It's great to have you as a student, Mike!

[@RickHenderson58]

Great tutorial, Brett! I barre all four strings and that makes it possible to move up the fretboard to play B and C as well.

[@grimmy5595]

Thank you....I've mastered the easy chords and now tackling the harder chords. So glad I found you 👍

[@charlotteheritagemusictuition]

AMAZING! You fixed it for me 😁 putting my 1st finger across all 4 strings! Genius 😎 Thank you!

[@UkuleleTricks]

Great job!

[@ezgiucar3690]

I have short and fat fingers but first tip has actually helped me a lot. It sounds better now. Thank you, I'll keep practicing to make it perfect!

[@AppyDancer]

Thank you so much for the "arthritis" tip. I don't have arthritis but I do have three slightly mangled/stiff fingers from various breaks over the years (my index finger doesn't bend at the littlest knuckle and two others bend where they shouldn't). And at this point in my ukulele education, I am not really aware that there is an "outside the box"!

[@DeysofSummer]

this is so great! thank you. i just need to work on my transitions now.

[@lemurleap]

Thank you! I will check out your website and other vids!

[@PatriciaTheSweetest]

Omg I loved this vid so much! Very clear and straight to the point thx ❤

[@iAmMadeOfSoup]

I used to hate barring chords, but I view them as a blessing now. Here’s a tip, hold the ukulele tight against you so you can hold it better. Also use two fingers on the bar chord to hold it down more

[@UkuleleTricks]

Great tips, Pearl! Ensuring a stable and well-supported playing posture definitely helps playing these more difficult chords.

[@scoutsterling7224]

I tried learning The Scientist by Coldplay and this kinda stumped me at first. My string sound was drowned out sometimes and occasionally I'd get a good sound after trying with a lot of effort, so this video really helped me. :D

[@UkuleleTricks]

Fantastic! Glad it would help.

[@datotherboiofficial8742]

OMG this man helps me so much I JUST CANT-

[@laurenjames6630]

Thank you!!! Made such a difference instantly

[@UkuleleTricks]

Glad it helped!

[@Michelle-up3rd]

Thank you for being ♥️♥️

[@matthewgamr4546]

I tried putting my fingers right behind the fret and it worked! I still have to work on transitions tho. Thanks so much!

[@miripong22]

Thank you!!!

[@dalizuly]

Thank you so much! 💓

[@Alva1326]

Tip 3 it’s all I needed

[@abbie4279]

i got it: i played it and it worked then i tried again 😭😭😭

[@MultiTin0]

That was one of the most helpful videos i ever watched no joke. Thank you

[@UkuleleTricks]

No problem! I'm so glad it was helpful for you!

[@blueheartiscool]

GAH IT SOUNDS SO MUCH BETTER THANK YOU!

[@UkuleleTricks]

Woohoo! So glad to hear!

[@ll.6379]

❤️❤️❤️thank you so much

[@pointfivetee]

Thanks for the tips and encouragement! I think this will be very helpful.

[@UkuleleTricks]

You bet!

[@salvationkobby8700]

Bro God bless You.

[@Edwinthebreadwin]

Thank you, this is probably my definition of a good, well put together instruction video :)

[@UkuleleTricks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeanrivera6289]

Hard chord, yet satisfying when you can finally play it. Thanks!

[@UkuleleTricks]

Very satisfying! Keep up the good practice!

[@theduchessofdarknessofficial]

Is there a way to barre Bflat bc I do barres great

[@SS-tp8nu]

Yes, thanks! I got how to press Bb ^^

[@CarolineSpruill]

This was so helpful! I was having a hard time because I was trying to start with my index finger on the first fret and having a hard time stretching my other fingers. But starting with my third string made a huge difference! I’ve also never heard the advice to put your fingers right up behind the frets. Thank you!!

[@UkuleleTricks]

Glad I could help, Caroline!

[@kenrutherford1109]

It's not as hard as I thought it was

[@dasmartretard]

the last one is a life saver lol. I do a lot of calisthenics and so while my finger strength isn't lacking the flexibility definitely is.

[@jckeegan4901]

Oh, awesome! Thank you! This is really helpful!

[@UkuleleTricks]

That's great to hear! Thanks for watching and your comment!

[@diegovera1353]

Can I just pause time, put something to hold where the bridge is supposed to be and then do the same to take it out?

[@littlevegankitchen7412]

Pro tips right here

[@NavyFE]

Thanks this is great!

[@UkuleleTricks]

Awesome! Glad it was helpful, Chris!

[@mightyisabella667]

THANK YOU SO MUCH AHHHHH THIS HELPED SO MUCHHH IEEEEE

[@UkuleleTricks]

I got you!

[@parizodamukhamedova7206]

i came for bb chord but staying because of his voice. oh my, so pleasing to listeng

[@laurencefleury9799]

thank you so much, that's help a lot :-)

[@UkuleleTricks]

You're welcome!

[@le-anneviloria8961]

Thank you. Finally, I am able now to play Bb. Thank you for your tips. I will subscribe to your channel as a payback 😊

[@UkuleleTricks]

Thanks for subbing!

[@novad654]

this helped so much! thank you :D

[@UkuleleTricks]

I'm so glad!

[@priyanshibhattacharjee3789]

I'm loosing my mind correcting my bflat as much as this guy's calmness 😭😭

[@ashtonhussey8170]

My problem feels very unique, my middle finger is actually wonky, so when I have the 3 fingers next to each other my middle one won’t fit, due to the angle :( any other chords I can use to swap this one out that sounds a bit similar?

[@67angie]

I just sanded down the grooves of the E- and the A-string in the bridge and I can finally press down those strings on the first fret! Now your tricks work. The strings were just too high. Still a tricky chord. But now it will take just practice, not breaking my fingers anymore

[@UkuleleTricks]

That's great! Action (string height relative to fretboard) can also be a big factor in the ease of playing chords. Thanks for mentioning it!

[@venanciofilhoyoga]

Thanks for the tips, it really helped. ;)

[@UkuleleTricks]

I'm so glad, Venancio! Thanks for watching!

[@lucky0o2]

Holy crap you’re my hero

[@UkuleleTricks]

Thanks for watching!

[@donjanine2114]

Thank you for tip on barring with index finger. I am a new beginner I’m in my 60s and I have been trying and trying to play the B-flat barring the first two strings with my index finger my fingers and my hand is just too stiff I can’t arch my other two fingers over to reach the G and C strings. This was very helpful :-) if I’m not able to master this cord with just my index finger on the first two strings and have to resort to barring Are there any disadvantages though of having to only barre The B-flat that I’ll encounter with other cords. I know that this shape is a movable shape is it more effective when you use the index finger or can it be just as effective if you barre the cord? Thanks again 👍🎼

[@UkuleleTricks]

Glad it was helpful! I honestly don't see very many issues with just sticking with a barre for this chord. There's a lot of benefit here, especially with moveable chord shapes. The biggest challenges with barre chords tends to be the "diving ukulele problem" when changing to and from barre chords but this can be fixed with proper playing posture or the support of a ukulele strap. Great job with learning the barre chord shape! It will take you far!

[@jinsoul3085]

I cant make the strings E A sound right! :

[@meredithgrace3394]

YO this video HELPED SO MUCH lollll. Now I have to practice it so I can actually play it 🙃

[@UkuleleTricks]

This makes me so happy to hear! Thanks for your comment! :)

[@tan_can_uke]

i could play my 1st bar chord. thanks

[@user-vv9po3xp8j]

very clear and useful I need to stretch my fingers lol

[@fabulabulabulala5185]

Can someone help? I can place my fingers in the proper places but when I strum, no sound comes out 😐😐

[@shashashy2491]

After 15 tries, I got it right and I loooked at my fingers like in those action films where they look at an awesome weapon and they're like "Hell yeah!"

[@severinepatrick4613]

Lasz Trick does the work

[@aceblue7123]

I have arthritis and the finger positioning on the index is really hard on my fingers

[@darrensaw787]

Thank you for your help but it doesn’t seem to work.(for ME)

[@meredithgrace3394]

Is b flat supposed to hurt your pointer finger? I feel like I’m contorting the top of my pointer finger up so hard lol.

[@UkuleleTricks]

Hey Meredith, you definitely aren't alone there! It depends on how strong your index finger is and the calluses that have formed. If you notice the skin get tender, definitely take a break and keep working on it. The big, big trick here however with that index finger is getting it as closely behind the fret as possible for the easiest leverage. Keep working at it!

[@dulaldas7650]

0:50 so true 😄

[@JaiydonTheLuckyDuck]

My pointer finger won't bend that way or go flat without interfering with the other cords. Is there an easier cord that I could use as a close replacement until I manage to put my finger in such a way? : )

[@UkuleleTricks]

One option for the Bb chord as you work on that partial barre is to just fret the top three strings and mute the bottom A-string, like 321X, where you place the ring finger on the 3rd fret of the top g-string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the C-string, and index finger on the 1st fret of the E-string. With that index finger, you'll let it touch the bottom A-string to mute it (i.e. prevent it from ringing out). This can be a nice alternative if you have mobility issues with the fingers! That said, I encourage you to keep practicing your barre chords :)

[@JaiydonTheLuckyDuck]

@@UkuleleTricks Ok! ill try it out. Thank you so much!

[@quinngirl]

Okay please somebody help me how is this supposed to work? If I cover a string with my finger it makes no noise. If I'm covering every string, no sound is made. It's not a note. I'm so confused, is there something wrong with my uke?

[@MechaPuma]

Have you tried turning it off and back on? No, but all jokes aside, have you tried pressing down harder? :)

[@sitiumairah4176]

I almost want to give up on ukulele because of this chord. Im dyingg😭😭

[@UkuleleTricks]

Nooo! Hang in there! Continue to practice this chord and work on some other chords for a change of pace. You can do it!

[@foxconvey4979]

i still can't play this note, even after your great tips....

[@araiq]

Its impossible for me. The strings at my uke are so hard and tight that even pressing a single string down requires a lot of strength. I have $30 uke, would it be easier with some proper uke??

[@theduchessofdarknessofficial]

It's hard bc my fingers hurt

[@janewhitledge9063]

I'm going to practice this! Thank you. I really want to play "Freight Train'" but the Bflat always turns the song into a train wreck.

[@josief313]

THANK YOUUU!!!! Now I can play starman without having a mental breakdown

[@bmwlindautube]

Very helpful, Brett ... now tell me where got that strap.

[@klein2137]

Please teach me how to do E next

[@UkuleleTricks]

That's a great idea. I'll try to make a video about this chord next.

[@elinatural2058]

I can't barre correctly and itfs ma-ing me really sad … all the songs I wanna play got a Bb in them 😭😭

[@riee573]

i can play the Bb but my ring finger keeps touching the fourth string and it's irritating me

[@sakeenahrazali4975]

i don't know why my pointer is not firmmmm it keeps slidding off

[@Isabellena._13]

Bb is like B chord in ukulele

[@UkuleleTricks]

You got it! If you slide up the Bb chord position just one fret, you are playing a B chord on ukulele. This is considered a moveable shape, so if you keep moving up a fret from there, you'd be playing C, C#, D, D#, E, etc. major chords.

[@Myra1959]

I barre all 4 strings.

[@ceoacca9049]

Brett this is soo hard I’ve been trying for daysss. And it seems really impossible for mee. Do you think there’s a certain people who can’t play guitar? Like me? I got no talents :’(

[@suzieberndt]

it's not impossible! Bb is a tricky one. practice songs that go from F to Bb, which is a manageable transition. You might also want to put tiny dot stickers on your uke to guide your Bb fingers.

[@paulsands7673]

Drag Queens in Limousines by Mary Gautier is a good one for practice - has the F before and after Bb chord. Great song too!

[@RedIsACrepe]

My finger hurts from doing those chords lmao

[@skelly9381]

ma'am. my fingers dont work like that.

[@partikchandra1112]

I am pushing my first finger so hard to make a clear sound on first fread

[@UkuleleTricks]

Hey Partik! Make sure you're pressing down as close to the fret wire as possible! Depending on the quality of your ukulele you may have to press harder.

[@sparkgarnet839]

he's so cute and professional

[@barbikay5801]

Awesome teacher but arthritis prevents my index finger :/ I hope there is an alternative chord.

[@UkuleleTricks]

Some of my students with arthritis find that 321X is an option, where you mute the bottom A-string, thereby avoiding the barre chord shape. I'd try that out if you haven't already!

[@barbikay5801]

@@UkuleleTricks Thank you! :)