Petey's Ukulele Killer Chord Tips: D major and E major

[@NurseHamster]

After playing for 3 years I had my "D/E" epiphany exactly like you are teaching it. I rushed off all excited to tell everyone over at UU and found this video. LOL

[@PeteyHoudini]

I totally understand your story since the same thing took years for me when I started in 2006!!! I wanted others to avoid my original misery of wasting time. I'm glad you made it despite all odds! Those chords are hard to play!

[@xqin74]

I did not know there are multiple ways to play D major chord until I watched your video. You are a great ukulele teacher! Thank you, Peter.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Xiao Qin : Thanks Xiao! Once you get the D and E chords under control, the uke is a breeze!

[@xqin74]

Peter, I only learned E minor chord. I plan to learn E major in the next few days. I bet E major chord is hard than E minor chord.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Xiao Qin : Em is an interesting chord to start with. C is a bit boring. E is challenging but my tutorial will help. I wish I had that when I started! hehe

[@caylagordon6020]

Xiao Qin Here's a ukulele lessons for beginners... Who else wants to have fun and wow their friends? Go here ==> ukuleleguide-new2.blogspot.com/

[@MichaelVondung]

I feel this is probably the best video on the D (and E) chord in the sea of KZbin videos about these chords. I especially like how the fingerings are offered in a context of possible follow-ups. It's well done, Petey. Thank you!

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Michael Vondung : Thanks for nice comments. I did this video because no one seemed to really explain the importance of the D and E together and the different fingers in context. Glad it helped! Petey

[@blizztird1]

This has to be one of the most helpful tutorials that I have seen thus far. I give my sincerest thanks.

[@traceysmith2785]

Thanks Peter for your work on these tutorials. I appreciate them.Now just got to practice and practice..

[@defaultcity]

Thank you man for the insights! Hitherto, I thought that just about the only way to plae the E chord was moving the D shape and pressing your index finger on the second fret on the first string (or refrain from doing the latter if you are in the key of F#m, for that matter). But your E-F open strings alternation is magnificent!

[@PeteyHoudini]

пожалуйста Glad to have helped! The E Chord doesn't need to be so scary. I also love F#m and C#m !

[@davidmayerovitch8965]

Great video, Petey! Too few instruction books pay attention to alternate fingerings. I find that on the D chord what works best for my hand is to place my 1st finger on the 4th string and my 2nd on the 2nd string, then tuck my 3rd finger in between them on the 3rd string. As a bonus, this makes for a very direct transition to or from the G chord. Of course it doesn't help me with the E chord, but it's the most reliable solution for my D.

[@ewhehehebffdjsjd]

when did snape become a ukulele playing chef?

[@lunarobisahemmings320]

lol! that was also my first expression.

[@bamdadian]

Ella Rose W HAHAHAHA😂😂😂👌👌👌

[@carollee5810]

me toooooooo. lol

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks! I wanted to share what I've learned on these two connected chords.

[@cynthiareece7482]

Thank you so much! I was having such a time with this as I have OA and RA in my hands fingers and stretches are SO difficult. It's so wonderful to have alternatives. I want to do some blues on my uke and the little riff was inspirational. You make the learning fun and do-able. Big Hug!

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Cynthia Reece : Thanks. Really glad it helps! I did that video after exploring all the angles (that I could invent myself or find what others had done) to help others avoid going through what I did for the first few painful years of having not a clue how to play those chords. I like showing all the ways so you can choose what you need to do when learning and you can change later. I don't want the D or E chord to be a hindrance to stop new uke players from learning. 8-)

[@francescalero6078]

thanks for taking the time to make these videos... they're really entertaining and educational!

[@PeteyHoudini]

You're welcome.

[@davew9477]

This is the most helpful video for the dreaded E chord that I have seen. Many, many thanks!

[@PeteyHoudini]

Glad it helped! Yeah!!!

[@Stevali1966]

Thanks for your video regarding the E chord using E7. Opened up an whole new avenue of songs for me to play.

[@Redlenzman]

That dmajor has been bustn my balls, thanx for the thorough tutorial and the cheats.

[@PeteyHoudini]

You're welcome. It pissed me off royally that no one had ever showed how to really tackle this idiot chord. It's no piece of cake, but I got fed up and posted an epic to help those players in need! Glad it helped. Back to my wine. LOL

[@haroldrull4943]

You’re pretty much entertaining that’s why I subscribe... Keep it going.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks... wish I could do more on that funny front right now but I'm a bit stalled

[@PeteyHoudini]

You're right about that. I did show the 2224 but I forgot to show the 4447. I had that in my plan but a one take video often misses a few odds and ends.

[@handidrummed]

I've been practicing by barring the C & E strings with my pinky, using my index finger on the A string and my middle finger on the G string.

[@OlegKasitsin]

Your videos inspire me to continue learning to play the ukulele, thanks for the detailed explanation and such videos, it's cool!)

[@PeteyHoudini]

You're welcome!

[@robkunkel8833]

Yes, it did "clear up some issues for me". Thanks ⛩🎶

[@PeteyHoudini]

Great!

[@JodyM2]

The String spacing is different on the Martins at least on my S-1. I can make a D on this one because the strings are way on the out sides of the fretboard. I can't do it on my Kalas, Now I want an Islander with the 1.5" Nut

[@kathjordan2497]

Hi peter for a d and e chord can I play them in bar chords. Or will they be slow to change with other basic standard chords. I am struggling with those two chords. As I am a beginner. Many thanks. Kath

[@PeteyHoudini]

Those chords are always hard to change to. Just keep going.

[@franck1806]

I begin to learn Uku and your explainations are very instrutive, thanks a lot

[@kathjordan2497]

Thank you very much . I will try and master those d and e chords, as I am a beginner.

[@PeteyHoudini]

You're welcome! Keep going!

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks Fred! Can you suggest any other chords I might do a video for? As for the French chef, I found that there were too many uke videos attempting to explain the D and E chords but not succeeding! Alors... trop de cuisiniers gâtent la sauce! hihi

[@RyanRJBonner]

Just purchased the C1K recently (which I think you're using). Anyway, I'm loving the punchy, brilliant sound! Do you use a different uke for plugging in? Thanks for the video. I'm guilty of barring my middle finger for both D and E, but in my defense my 4th finger is such that it bends at the joint slightly in towards my 3rd finger so I find it easier to bar. Anyway, I've started watching a few of your other videos and am enjoying them, so thanks! I'm actually beginning a course this summer run by James Hill which should be extremely enlightening on this incredible instrument! Aloha.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Ryan Bonner : Aloha and congrats on your C1K. I actually have a 2k Martin concert. I've played the C1K in the shop in Toronto but I was there to buy the 2k concert. They both have a very punchy sound that I really like. I'm glad that video helped. People constantly thank me for it, and that makes me happy I could help so many with those tricky chords. It still takes practice though. I've signed up for that James Hill teacher certification as well this summer in Canada. I don't want to be a teacher but I just want to learn as much about the uke as possible and I need new challenges. 8-)

[@PeteyHoudini]

Ryan Bonner : Sorry... forgot to mention about a uke for plugging in. I don't put any pickups in my new Martin ukes. Probably only best to do that on a tenor uke. I don't play live so no need for a pickup. My only current uke with a pickup is a Bruko maple soprano.

[@jsk8drummer]

As a guitarist I can definitely attest to the frustration of my hands just flat out not fitting into these shapes on the uke. The frets are soooo small.

[@PeteyHoudini]

It takes time, believe you me.

[@Kwood10]

Great video! Love the humor thrown in 😁

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks! I plan on doing a guitar video with some humor soon too... guitarists are way too serious!

[@XaverHB]

You are right Peter, first time I wanna play an E major on my new sopran, I pulled a long face. So E was not my favorite chord anymore. Haha, I like your tricks, thanks for that.

[@geeko9999999]

thanks, the only thing I don't like about the 2220 D and 4442 E is the repetition of the notes on the 1st and 4th. that's why I prefer 2224 and 4447. I think they sound richer.

[@BillDeWitt]

I was surprised you didn't mention playing the D with 213 which gives such good transitions to G and A as well as opens up the 7th and a walkdown through the G#s... plus my thick fingers fit more easily.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Actually, my video on the A chord covers most of that... I planned to do it a year ago and still haven't filmed it! Laziness pervades at times but thanks for the comments.

[@BillDeWitt]

I forgot to add, great video nonetheless... But yeah, I've made all of one (1) ukulele video so I totally get the whole procrastination thing.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Originally I didn't plan on doing tutorials. I just found that I wish someone would have told me these things 11 years ago when I was learning cause the first three years were a slowed down by no technique ideas when coming from the guitar. I tend to take a chord, explore it and its surrounding transition chords.

[@AndrewJames1969]

This video really helped me with that tricky E chord. Thank you!

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks! What I like hearing are others' variations on the chords like you just told me. It's always interesting to see all the possibilities. 8-)

[@rosieposy8]

fabulous lessons! I have weeks of work! Thanks so much

[@PeteyHoudini]

rosieposy8 : You're welcome. My techniques should help you master those two chords if you put in the time. Don't give up on learning difficult chords. 8-) Those two are the worst of the uke... everything else is cake. hehe

[@JedidiahProductions]

I play guitar and that was a problem for me. Thanks, this was very helpful!

[@PeteyHoudini]

JedidiahProductions : Glad it could help! 8-) I played guitar as well and there was no one to help me make the transition of D and E chord except through my own blood, sweat, and tears. I just don't want any other guitar player to suffer like I did. That's why I show most of the ways uke players play the D and the E.

[@charlescoutret6808]

Hey, Petey. I think I've watched this video about 6 times now. Anyway, what do you think of the movable shape 1442 for the E? The stretch isn't too bad on a soprano and once you get it down it's easier for me to play cleanly than 4442 - and much easier to play farther up the neck.

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Charles Coutret : Hi Charles. Yeah, I found out about that 1442 after I did the video. I had never seen it before. It's a little uncomfortable but doable. I would suggest practice doing Eb 0331with the same fingering and slide back and forth between the two.

[@charlescoutret6808]

+Peter Forrest Hey Petey. I'm smashing both strings on the fourth fret with the ring finger. It's pretty easy and the results are more predictable than 4442. Also, it works way up the neck.

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Charles Coutret : I like playing the shuffle beat (as in the video) with 444x and avoiding the first string and moving up the frets for that rock and roll sound. Coincidentally, I was working out a Mexican song "Chiapanecas" in E major today and needed your version of that E chord! hehe

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Peter Forrest : I actually cheated with that E chord for the Mexican song: I just use x442.

[@mixtotl0970]

You're fucking awsome, Snape's kind cousin. Best uke teacher evah!

[@PeteyHoudini]

mixtotl0970 : Thanks! If I only could now master the British accent too! hehe

[@PeteyHoudini]

Glad to hear! Have fun on that new avenue!

[@FraxFred]

Thank you Chef ! Outstanding french accent at the beginning, ah ah ! Otherwise, thank you so much for those tips, I like these "Forres-tips" vids, just awesome ! Very, very helpful, funny and... so enjoyable to watch. Great !

[@jda3comics693]

thankyou for lesson i have trouble with Dmajorchord i try to avoid it but you teach it well i was thinking of getting a electric uke should i or stick with regular uke god bless

[@PeteyHoudini]

Joshua Anderson : Have both. It's good to explore the uke. You'll figure out over time what works best. Amplified ukes are good for playing part of an ensemble with other musicians with different instruments. I mainly use a couple of favorite sopranos (non amplified) and a tenor (non amplified).

[@strawberrysasa]

i've played guitar for 4 years and my school requires us to learn ukulele. i thought it would be easy but it was hard. :( thanks for the tutorial :) it helped me a lot

[@PeteyHoudini]

Glad it could help! 8-)

[@jaytolbert7538]

D major triad: 2, 1, 3 - 2 on G string, 1 on C string, 3 on E string, Open A string.

[@Uke_in_Flight]

So simple, yet so effective using the 234 D fingering when the progression goes to E...

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Tiki Den : the first ukulele book I had back in 2006 was by Jim Beloff and he showed the D and E chords like that. So, I assumed that was the right way. It was only later I noticed later in other books people not using the pinky method.

[@christeena248]

you're a gem !! ❤️

[@jomoland]

Help! Tips on switching D to G? Please! What finger placement is best when moving onto G-chord?

[@PeteyHoudini]

There is no easy tip in my books between those two chords. Just jump after lots of fingering practice!

[@andreymoiseev5838]

What I can't figure out is what happens to the thumb when playing chords. For D and E, I see, the thumb is behind the neck (more freedom for fingers). But on videos most people place the thumb so that it is visible above the neck. May neck/thumb position be changed when playing? And what position is right for what situation?

[@PeteyHoudini]

People tend to play often with the thumb protruding when playing open chords like F, C, G when playing near the nut. I do it myself. It all depends on the next chord that you will be playing and will moving that thumb make more effort for one's changes. When playing up the fretboard, the thumb should be behind on full chords. If you standing up while playing, it works better with the thumb behind. You need to try to use the thumb behind the fretboard as much as possible. You have to on barred chords. Look up my video "Paris in the '20s." I cannot play the verse without having the thumb behind... but voila.. I put the thumb up while playing Fm (near the nut) and I slide up the strings. So, it depends on the chord changes.

[@andreymoiseev5838]

Peter Forrest This thing is what tutorials I've seen left out. Thank you so much!

[@kiahamann3854]

Helpful! Thanks!

[@PeteyHoudini]

You're welcome.

[@tippersteffi1]

Great insight thank much!

[@PeteyHoudini]

tippersteffi1 : You're welcome.

[@kennyhekennyhe]

Thank you Peter!

[@PeteyHoudini]

kenny he : No probs.

[@Radaep1]

GR8 Stuff, & very entertaining !

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks.

[@angelofmusic477]

if i want to transit D to E , I would do thd barr D originate from thd C chords . it's easier on the ukulele . These barr is also good if you transit from D E and E7 in fast mode in the barre form...just my humble opinion.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Yep, there are many ways to do the transition. Do whatever works best for the song.

[@rickpalmer3340]

When barring the strings you seem to be able to do it with such ease and each string rings out. When I try I seem to miss the odd string, even when I apply pressure. What tips do you have for beginner fingers please?

[@PeteyHoudini]

Go to 5th fret. Play the first string with the index finger. Play over and over. Then bar the first two strings at the 5th fret. Play over and over until they sound. Then play, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings barred at the 5th fret. Play over and over still they all sound. Finally, add in the fourth string to barr the entire 5th fret. Play over and over. The first string is the string closest to the floor. Are you the Rick Palmer from British Columbia?

[@rickpalmer3340]

Peter Forrest Many thanks for your reply Peter. Sounds good, I’ll work on it. No, I’m not the Rick Palmer from BC. I’m the Rick Palmer from the UK. Keep the videos coming. I find them a great help.

[@piratechief8456]

Your amazing and the only one I can think of to help. Can you help with picking for I hell I be in Good Company.

[@PeteyHoudini]

I can help. Just avoid picking at all costs!!! hehe

[@piratechief8456]

@@PeteyHoudini I love picking, its fun, just lots of programming practice.

[@jonjaworowski2059]

Can you bar just the g, c, and e chords on the second fret to play the g, using your middle or pointer finger?

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Jon Jaworowski : Not sure what you mean. Please elaborate.

[@jonjaworowski2059]

+Peter Forrest Never mind, you said it at 5:50.

[@torvissleague6391]

I started playing the ukulele when I was 13, and I didn't have the discipline to NOT use my thumb for D. Now I've been playing for 9 years, and occasionally I'll get a little hand cramp, but I'm way too used to it to change now.

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Torviss League : Everyone has to find their own way. I'd be more worried about having to lift the left elbow all the time when you play a D. Repeated action might be something to think about.

[@torvissleague6391]

+Peter Forrest I've actually got pretty lanky arms, and long fingers, so I don't really have to lift the elbow that much, not all sometimes depending on whether i'm standing or sitting.

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Torviss League : Someone told me the other day I had "guitar fingers" when they saw me playing the uke. Keep doing what you're doing if it works!

[@PeteyHoudini]

Glad to have helped!!! 8-)

[@WAOQVNA]

You make to much emphasis on the strums that I get distract, and lost you sometimes. But I'm thankful anyway.

[@kathjordan2497]

Okay many thanks perer

[@PeteyHoudini]

Not a problem! Though those chords usually are!!! hehe

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks Raggy. I took the chef's hat because I thought of your cooking video! LOL I drank the rosé wine afterwards! I have lots of funny hats here.

[@martinmichalski2006]

superb, thx

[@DaryllBellingham]

Thanks. Good one.

[@PeteyHoudini]

You're welcome.

[@Bstneis]

FUCKING GENIUS!!!! People say to use; entire index entire middle or ind, mid, and ring thank you so much for showing the pinky ring mid:) SUBED

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks, man! Too many people give bad advice in life and in ukulele playing! hehe LOL That's why I figured out that pesky D chord after many travails so others like you wouldn't have to suffer anymore. 8-)

[@rad5020]

Petey, I have wondered what hat that would make my playing better....never considered the Chef hat.....hum....that may be the trick. A cowboy hat has not helped much so far....:) PS I like the sign behind you "If you want to get ahead, get a hat"...lol

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks Larry. I've always found hats interesting. hehe Not sure why a cowboy hat wouldn't help! Hats are cool. That old poster goes back to my Montreal, Canada days when a band called Deja Voodoo gave away that poster and I've kept it all these years. It always cheers me up. 8-)

[@PeteyHoudini]

I wonder if your new soprano will be as seaworthy or E-worthy? ;-) hehe

[@kathjordan2497]

Also great video

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks!

[@bobbydavro3603]

There's another way of fingering the D and E shape where you barre with the 2nd finger (4th and 3rd string)with the 3rd finger underneath.

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Bobby Davro : Thanks for finding another one! 8-)

[@chrisw5742]

bar first finger on bottom 3 strings at 7th fret. Add second finger to 8th fret second string down. Thats your e chord and it is super easy. Forget the first string. Its the same note as 4th.

[@moonamar.5341]

You made my day :)

[@PeteyHoudini]

Not a problem.

[@BooliDeano]

Hi Petey! Thanks for making this video. It is very helpful, as are all of your other videos. Now I just have to practice like a madman so I can do these chords without thinking. LOL. Previously I have always done the D chord as a barre with the pointer finger across at the second fret and then the pinky on the A string at the fifth fret, like 2225, and then just slid that up 2 frets for E as 4447, but adding the other 'Jim Beloff' fingerings will allow me more versatility. I also really like the sound of the stretched form that you showed that was based upon Ab, as it sounds much fuller to me. BTW, I came to this video from a recent discussion on UU via forum.ukuleleunderground.com/showthread.php?121596-How-do-you-make-a-D-chord-in-1st-position Mahalo - Booli

[@PeteyHoudini]

Aloha Booli!BTW - I use IE 11 and it never respects spaces in my KZbin messages. Argh! I made that video because I wish I would have know all that in the first place. I didn't want anyone else to waste time. Still, most people's hands can be physically larger or smaller so it's not an easy subject. I still think it's best to learn the D and E at the same time to get the proper perspective. I learned that original fingering from Beloff back in 2006 and it confused me at first and it didn't seem natural until I realized it was useful as a moveable chord up the fretboard. Beloff didn't say that but I figured out that is why he was doing it. Thanks for the link. I commented. Mahalo! Petey

[@GravityBoy72]

Bar the bottom 3 strings. Same as guitar. It's much easier than squashing three fingers together.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Do what works best.

[@drchilapastrosodrlasmacas438]

By joe, he's got it!

[@raspberryeri]

How do I go from D major to E minor?

[@PeteyHoudini]

A way to cheat is to barr the entire 2nd fret with you index finger and keep it pressed down and play, then add in the 2nd and 3rd fingers down on the Em 2nd and 3rd string while keeping the index across the 2nd fret.

[@dannymations4631]

OMG u helped me do this in 2:17

[@PeteyHoudini]

+Traves Lee : Glad to have helped.

[@dannymations4631]

thanks!

[@robertschult63]

Nice done & nice outfit ! ;-)

[@Hierachan]

Snape is that you?

[@PeteyHoudini]

I ask myself that same question with every new potion I take as a nightcap.

[@fugitivetattoo]

some people put in time and effort to create a video and teach, the the douchebaggios drop in the comment sections advertisements for their tutorials...Real classy, real beauties. Silly, no manner suckers, I boycott those sites. Oh yeah, thanks for this vid.

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks. I've got a number of haters and occasionally a troll or two. I delete anything that crosses the line into pure meaness.

[@ceddil6014]

👍🏻

[@planetjackie8539]

OUCH i still suk at this but i enjoyed the video THANKS!

[@PeteyHoudini]

It takes time. Try to do songs in the key of E or D.

[@clawhammer704]

Just tune the bottom three strings from the bottom to banjo or guitar tuning.

[@PeteyHoudini]

You can also buy a baritone uke! hehe

[@speedbumphu]

how can you strum so fast???

[@PeteyHoudini]

Keep a supple index finger and start slowly.

[@joshuaquick7357]

PAC Abel canon ukelele

[@soggymeatloaf2550]

proffesor snape

[@PeteyHoudini]

Indeed... turn to page three hundred and ninety....... Forrest! hehe

[@Colaris99]

Finger origami!

[@dannymations4631]

;-;

[@kaitlynsoriano1254]

Ur my favorite 😂😂😂

[@PeteyHoudini]

Thanks!

[@edom80]

That video is just super annoying, wow

[@debhulks]

Not for a beginner like me. You move too fast.