How To Play Ukulele Chords - Bb Hack - Lesson

This ukulele lesson outlines some simple tricks and techniques to help you conquer that challenging Bb chord.
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[@DarlaFisher197393]

I’ve been playing a year now and this IS STILL a challenge. It seems I can manage the index finger but when I try to add the other fingers my index finger moves sideways and I loose my good position with the index finger! 🥴

[@tonyaroberts771]

Doing the chord is accomplished, however, changing between chords (this being one of them) fast is the most challenging!

[@AllForUke]

Yes, that is the next challenge. My recommendation would be to start with some easy transitions like Bb to C, Bb to Am, Bb to F. Then try going back to Bb from those same chords. An exercise I like to do is to isolate my fretting hand and completely focus on a specific chord switch. Go slowly, don't strum, watch your fretting hand, and just focus on landing all of the fingers simultaneously on Bb (you may have to go really slow at first) These slow reps will really pay off in the long run I promise! ~KP

[@BrieCarranza]

@@AllForUke Thank you! Chord transition practice is where I am at and this approach is 💯

[@chessyukelele6759]

I have short fingers so barring is hard for me :")

[@user-yb8oy2ez2r]

I love that 2nd excercise.

[@yinyg9423]

Very useful tips. Finally managed to play the Bb chord after watching ur video. Thanks a lot!

[@HarmoChopin]

It's the first time I have a good sound with the Bb chord. Many thanks!

[@AllForUke]

You're welcome! If you're interested in learning more, drop by AllForUke and have a look at our extensive library of lessons, song sheets, and practice jam tracks. Use promo code OCT2023 for a free month. All the best - Kevin | allforuke.com

[@HarmoChopin]

Thanks, @@AllForUke! What I'm looking for first and foremost is how to accompany country songs in an original way, whether they're ballads or bluegrass songs.

[@elizabethblackey4587]

This is great. I'm learning to play baritone and this is the same chord shape for an F chord which has been a challenge for me and is found in nearly every song. So glad I found you!

[@AllForUke]

So glad you found me too :)

[@andydunn5673]

Big fat Very strong hands Thanks for sharing Let’s see if I can pull it off Thanks for sharing

[@darrellrackley2563]

The second option on playing B f is outstanding. I just started play the ukulele and have become very frustrated because I can not play all the cords like B f because of my sausage fingers. THANK YOU.

[@barrykaj]

I have fitted a Zero fret on one of my ukeleles and it's now much easier to make clear barchords between frets 0 and 1. I am a rank amateur but still took a chance and fitted it with no problems at all.

[@maybethistimenow]

What is a "zero fret"?

[@Beckface26]

I don't know why, but this tutorial worked for me whereas others didn't. It's not perfect, but better than it was. Thank you!

[@josebaltazar1288]

Thank you very much. It helps so much. For the last one you told me to bend. My fingers so helpful. Thank you.

[@KatieCSawyer]

I love your videos, I’m learning so much! Thanks for all your helpful tips and great sounds!

[@AllForUke]

Thanks for learning with me Katie! If you have a chance check out my barre chord series and others on my new site. All the best - Kevin www.allforuke.com/lessons

[@majiknine]

Thanks, this was a big help! Now I just need to get my tiny hands to make the jump from Dm to Bb without dropping my uke lol

[@dianavance2151]

I hope you don't mind me sharing the trick that works for me. Not so much using the thumb for pressure but using my Right elbow. By applying pressure with the elbow forces the neck of the uke to meet the fretting fingers!

[@dianavance2151]

Maybe not the elbow but more the right forearm....

[@rhondalatham8964]

I am considering adding a tenor uke to my collection. Should I have a low G string put on it? Also, what about putting a low G string on my soprano uke?

[@gaygoose8989]

My short fingers screw me over yet again. My middle and ring finger will muffle the sound because I can’t seem to be able to reach all the way to the different strings. is there maybe an alternative to this chord so I don’t break my wrist lol

[@rodney3933]

XD

[@immanuelministry7018]

Nice

[@lv2rdhonu783]

👍🏻🎶

[@oldhag287]

I am going to have arthritis messing around with you! Good stuff, though. :-)

[@emiliacrisera7959]

Not sure what I'm doing wrong but the bar is just coming out muted I've tried it at least 5 different ways

[@AllForUke]

Hey - how long have you been trying? It can take a bit of time to get the notes to ring out clearly. Just persevere and you'll get it over time. Try using the outside part of the index finger with your middle pressed against it over fret 4 or 5. See if you can get that to ring out and move down. That will help you build your confidence. You'll get it. Keep me updated and thanks for learning with me - Kevin

[@gravellergear4703]

My thumb muscle gets so sore lol

[@T8Hants]

What size uke are you playing? my index finger when pushed down all but fills the 1st fret and when I add the middle it pushes the index out of shape - I play a concert.

[@peterking7701]

Hi

[@fearless1searching]

Hi, How do I find the pdfs?

[@AllForUke]

Go to www.allforuke.com/happy-place and enter your email. You’ll receive an email w/ the instructions. Thanks for tuning in!

[@Snipermonkey25]

👌

[@Ukemama2018]

I hate this chord. :( I still practice it, but I hate it. I'm sure I'll love it soon. My problem is that my A string is always muted, either because my first finger isn't pushing down hard enough for the half barre, or my middle finger ends up being slightly flat and it touches the A string. My main ukulele's action is a bit high, but my ukulele teacher said changing it could change the sound of my instrument, which I do not what to do. The chord is a little easier on my other ukuleles, but the sound isn's as resonate.

[@AllForUke]

Hey there Melissa - thanks for reaching out and sharing your experience. Bb is a challenging chord, so just keep with it and one of these days it will click for you. I try to focus on making sure I get the bottom two strings to ring clearly before working on adding my middle finger to the C string. The most important thing is make sure your index finger is extremely flat across the bottom two strings. I try to exaggerate that push my hand forward so my middle knuckle almost pops up. Another option is to barre the entire first fret. Have you tried that at all? Keep in touch and let me know how you're progressing. ~KP

[@Ukemama2018]

@@AllForUke I have tries barring the whole fret, but it's becomes even more of a challenge going from F to Bb for me.

[@hyabussa5747]

Easier for my somewhat arthritic hands to full bar fret 1

[@AllForUke]

Hey George - thanks for tuning in. If that works for you, go for it. Are you using the side of your index finger or laying it flat to bar?

[@hyabussa5747]

I roll index a bit to ensure good string cover. Flat I chance a mute.

[@claraagu1811]

Not gonna ever play this stupid chord its impossible to play this chord ..... ..after 4 months playin ( beginner) I'm done...l quit

[@chessyukelele6759]

I have short fingers so barring is hard for me :")

[@AllForUke]

Barre chords are challenging, but stick with it. Try em' a few times every day and you'll get there. Keep me briefed on your progress k? Kevin