Why is G6 the BEST Ukulele Chord? - James Hill Ukulele Tutorial

60 minutes of video lessons with me for $1: www.readysteadyukulele.com
Free sheet music and TAB for "The G6 Song": www.uketropolis.com/g6
My weekly podcast: www.uketropolis.com/podcast
Why is G6 the best ukulele chord of all time? 1) It's easy to play 2) It sounds beautiful 3) It has interesting "neighbours" and 4) It's actually four chords rolled into one! Watch the video to learn all about it!
Download the notation and TAB for "The G6 Song" here: www.uketropolis.com/why-is-g6.... Don't forget: this song needs a name (something better than "The G6 Song"). Write your title suggestion in the comments below!

[@BlehShit4Eva]

Like a G6

[@juliomunoz2714]

asjsjasjasj obsly

[@lollykatsss8606]

that's exactly what i thought! hah

[@dannynelson7263]

Justin Chew ęfrom

[@left_eyebr0w]

loled

[@TheHungryTrio]

somehow the song ringing in my mind lol

[@jmambrocio9694]

Em7: who are you? G6: I'm you but better

[@lauraolek6928]

thanks, i was already about to google if i had mislearned Em7

[@yolowell9564]

Add a finger and it's G

[@MrDaveO2]

I just imagine this guy knocking on my door and say "do you have a second to talk about G6" 😂

[@luhleinuh]

I thought you were gonna say "that's the sound of Jesus" 😂 0:55

[@tiagrace2322]

Lelaina Navarro same 😂😂😂

[@verminguts]

the sound of Gsus

[@VaporwaveSunset]

@@verminguts clever one

[@delrosariowilliamjr.t.5622]

Wtf HAHAHAHAHHA

[@jahjah525]

Why you have to involve the devil?

[@RayJayJrUke]

I was going to say my favourite chord was Em7 but ...

[@CocoCapitainePoulet]

+RayJayJrUke I was about to say the same :P

[@TooGumbica]

+RayJayJrUke E7 is mine, funny how we all got same idea

[@imeenem4235]

Lmao my thoughts are the same HAHA

[@Ellie-pj9ln]

RayJayJrUke 😂😂

[@AftonLin]

Same

[@Ultima2876]

You should be a salesman - by the end of the video you had me waiting for you to announce 'G6, just $95!!!!'

[@Issyboo1313]

Or just 19 easy pavements of 5$

[@freah6435]

Hahahahhahahhaha!!!!

[@4ndy123]

Order now and you get a free G3

[@ProFingerboardy]

94.99$* I think is what you mean

[@tylerelbrink4595]

I’ll be honest, I was playing this chord without knowing it was a chord. I just played it because it sounds awesome and the chord is so versatile.

[@amandacapsicum686]

This is going to blow your mind but... everything is a chord! The names are applied descriptively after the fact. Anything with more than one note playing at once is a chord.

[@lukeparsons4965]

I like this comment

[@lukeparsons4965]

Even though technically it could be an interval if you wanted to be Sheldon Cooper

[@afiqefarid6029]

Now im feeling so fly, like a G6.

[@samanthamccallum13]

This comment is so necessary. Someone had to say it. Straight up.

[@theductductgoose]

"ode to g6"

[@therockjohnson909]

ye

[@anxx4395]

up up up up

[@HaiAut1415]

Then I feel my soul start leaving... like an old man's hair receding...

[@HaiAut1415]

Asking why it's got to be like this, is this living free?

[@noumine]

"So much in love with the G6 :D"

[@partack1]

eh. i'm more of a C man, my self..

[@heykikme2124]

Partack lol bc its easy? 😂 same

[@partack1]

Well, sure it's easy, but a lot of other chords and songs go well with it too. =P

[@stalkeddlive]

Partack Same

[@elifyetkin07]

Partack same

[@zoeyjoziee8885]

"C man" ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@Ian-xh4vt]

Call it "cash money gangster funk"

[@dakotarobinson1497]

Ian 112nd like

[@Sunshine_Daydream222]

Cash money gangsta funk is already taken by G7 though

[@jackglossop4859]

That’s a totally inappropriate name and doesn’t suit the song at all. I would call it: ‘Bleed the Womb’

[@leonfatmandrawings]

@@jackglossop4859 Mr Glossop do you understand the concept of a joke

[@jackglossop4859]

Guv, yes, yes I do. I was taking part in the joke. I’m sorry it didn’t work.

[@kavitasarmah]

You seem so passionate about your music. I'm so glad to have come across your video!

[@Jastinato]

I've been a musician off and on for almost 15 years and you just blew my mind with the alternate chord names thing.

[@jameshillmusiq]

+CzarDiego Glad I could be the one to do that for you! :)

[@MarialMoor]

+CzarDiego dont forget to be realistic - you must put in some work whatever system you decide on for learning uke I've been researching into how to play Ukelele and found a great website at Arthurs Uke Blog (google it if you're interested)

[@janedizz4997]

+CzarDiego After trying for years to play the uke I came across Arthurs Uke Blog and this appears to be the simplest online system (google it if you're interested)

[@jordaonb4261]

My favourite chord is corduroy there comfy and versatile for everyday fashion easy to wash and look great 👍🏼

[@chuckin5049]

4:21 that slight smile after the short tune. The ukulele is such a happy instrument =]

[@chopin65]

The music makers are the most blessed of artists, because they feed the hearts of everyone. Play on sir. You are cool.

[@johnchandler3521]

Thanks James. A fantastic alternative to G6 up all across the 7th fret. Love it. A great useful tutorial.

[@UkuleleRoadTrips]

good stuff I'd go with C6 though, because it's the only one I can play and drink beer/eat pizza at the same time

[@krn_ndy]

Hhahahahhahahahhahaahahahahhahahahhahahahahahahha thank you. Of ourse you could go for alt/open tunings.

[@JOSHHMusic]

I prefer Am7 or Am/G

[@expressmestudios3702]

It’s also called bm7

[@NotN8]

Its such a relief when you need to itch your ass while playing, butt don't wanna ruin the song; C6 saves the song (..& your itchy ass)

[@justfatman146]

The G6 song sounds like a Hawaiian silent night.

[@BenMosey]

I vote it be named Songy McSongface. Seriously though, great song. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@artemisdegenovarodriguez6218]

YES!! I love G6 for all these reasons, it's also SO versatile!!!

[@Magictrickslol]

Oh my god. It is.

[@mauricewhite7374]

Five string ukalale banjo

[@englishatworkforyou]

Thank you James. I just started playing the Uke 6 months ago after 25 years on the keys. I'm having a lot of fun with this. Please don't stop sending out this Toots. Cheers from Canada.

[@Drumn4J]

That chord has been my favorite for a long time (though I always think of it as Em7). I substitute it for "regular" E-minor fairly often, as I find Em to be fairly anemic sounding, but the Em7 is quite rich and fun.

[@VertigoEyes]

my fav is Am and G cause it's the only chords I know how to play at the moment 😂😂

[@spot8158]

Anna Minter C is third fret bottom string, have fun :)

[@VertigoEyes]

Spot yass lol. that comment was a while ago so now i can play many chords :3

[@DelTangBrav]

SPOT - The string at the bottom is the top string (not the bottom string) - on a standard tuned uke the bottom string is next to the top. If you find that confusing it's because it's the highest pitched note that is nearest the feet (at the bottom) and the lowest pitched note (the third furthest from the feet) that is referred to as the bottom string. Although with some ukes where the player tunes the string nearest the face an octave lower, that string then becomes the bottom string - even though it's at the top. Usually the strings are referred to numerically the lowest number is the highest in pitch, but is the lowest as you look at the uke in playing position. I was going to mention that the lowest string that is sometimes at the top, but more often is next to the top is only at (or near) the top when you look at it but becomes the lowest string when you listen to it. But thought that might confuse you. OK ☺☺☺- To simplify: It's best to refer to strings by number order First String Nearest Feet. And Fourth string nearest face. It prevents confusion.☺☺☺ (if you want to know the laws of cricket - just ask)☺☺☺

[@razvanbaluta1555]

I want to know the laws of cricket.

[@rizanugraha4515]

so how are you doing now. any progress?

[@loxtwn9111]

Congrats you just changed my mind. G6 is now my favorite chord and that song is now my favorite song to tinker around with :)

[@gabriellearboleda1985]

I played your song by listening to it only one time. Beautiful and simple. I have been playing the UKE about a month, not consistently though. IN LOVE WITH IT.

[@sylviaadams8407]

This is the best ukulele lesson Ive found online. Thanks James.

[@detoast1197]

are you off your nut ? 2 mins to show a chords ,5 mins showing other chords its not . Jesus

[@karatekidswat]

I actually play ukulele too, and I've decided that my favorite chord is C6, and more specifically (what chord I use it for more often) Am7. It has the same form but just 5 frets higher and with a bar chord. It's interesting that someone else has come across a similar conclusion.

[@UsherOfPeace]

you are doing SO GOOD brother, showing up with great information delivered in a digestable but interesting way, and coming off as such a grounded nice guy that anyone would enjoy learning from. I'm certainly gonna turn to you at some point to push me further. Keep up your great service to the planet :-)!

[@joannapierrot2936]

Love it! Great tune and so much fun to play. Thanks for posting your great videos.

[@yifuhades4397]

+ James Hill I love your music. I think you are the best ukulele player I have ever known.

[@ryleepierce7200]

i would name it Hawaiian breeze

[@ShimkustubeHD]

I would second that title! :) it is amazing tune that could easily sooty anyone and goes perfectly with the moonlight

[@aaronturman460]

I was going to say "blue Hawaiian breeze".

[@bxckwrds]

I feel like A9 sounds more Hawaiian. And thats coming from a actual Hawaiian

[@jacquesmarjaq3173]

Agree

[@cxldsummrs]

Isn't that an air freshener name?

[@anikavolpel2813]

You could call it "Hawaiian Sunset". It reminds me a lot of Hawaiian music and I thought of a sunset on a beach 🌊🌸🌅 Just a thought, though you've probably already named it.

[@terrishamblin8113]

I am so glad to know the name of the chord I've been horsing around with! Love the video! Thanks so much!

[@smurfbusadventures4258]

You know this helped me play the ukelele for the first time successfully. I really appreciate this lesson. I love the arrangement. I would love some more simple lessons like this. I am able to enjoy my uke for the first time

[@archbox8593]

I supose "Peace" would be a cool name for the song 1) because of the two Fingers used ( like the peace sign) and 2) because of the hawaian utopia peacfulness it delivers . Just my thoughts though :D

[@jameshillmusiq]

+Florian po Nice!

[@Svergara1]

+Florian po Nice! g6 is the peace chord and this is its tribute song!!!

[@caolannmacantseanora3660]

"Two Finger Waltz" "Block Party" (because all of the neighbours are having fun together) "Tripping Gracefully" (due to the fact you can play the G6 almost anywhere and it'll sound lovely)

[@camdavbax]

I love this... I found this while messing around but didn't know what it was (not musically trained) so it's nice to know it's useful more than by itself!

[@leighmcdowell]

Great tutorial. This is my first time watching these tutorials but it won't be my last. Thanks for posting, James.

[@livsilva978]

My favorite chord is Fm. I love when u play Fm then a C. It sounds beautiful

[@atlasquirk]

OMG YASSS I WAS ABOUT TO COMMENT THIS😂 but if you go fm c c7 f fm c it sounds so good

[@Truly_the_best_gift]

That's why the beginning of Remember me from Coco sounds so beautiful!

[@georgeslefteyebrow4359]

Megan Quirk that’s part of build me up buttercup lol

[@vitotopputo5691]

The sweet plagal minor cadence

[@tunedtofacgce]

I'm say my favourite chord is....F# or C. I listen to a lot of twenty one pilots,and they use those chords in most of their song and it give a really good feel.

[@iCalJIngTechnology]

spooky jim christmas |-/

[@kristengarcia]

spooky jim christmas |-/same

[@andream.9419]

Hi fren

[@yal-frenzy7589]

Yep, tøp foreverrrr

[@jishthepickled3711]

||-//

[@TheOutdoorfiend]

James Hill you are my hero! I hope to see you play some day, and I really hope to be able to grow into talent like yours.

[@manuelpacheco5446]

Wow! Just a chord can sound sooo good! Thanks! Manny from Puerto Rico

[@johnbenton4488]

I'd call your 'tune', Hawaiian Lullaby, because that's what it sounds like.

[@hardtobearit]

How about "coconut dreams"

[@SeanLaMontagne]

Coconut Island

[@PeteyHoudini]

Fantastic James! Everything you teach is so informative and you've expanded on this G6 since last summer at the JHUI in TO. Avoid the C chord trap! hehe Anyway, the 2nd part of the new song sounds a bit like a Hawaiian version of Silent Night, so I would call it "Hawaiian Silent Nights" or just "Hawaiian Nights." Can't wait to see more of your vids!

[@jameshillmusiq]

+Peter Forrest Thanks, Peter! Good memories from JHUI Toronto!

[@PeteyHoudini]

+James Hill : One last note... please keep the *vegetarian* restaurant the same for 2016 JHUI in TO. (sorry for your dad!) That place was amazing and did the best salsa ever. 8-) I'm a vegetarian uke player so I just loved that place with the organic wine as well!

[@TheOutdoorfiend]

James Hill you are my hero! I really hope to see you play some day, and even better I hope to be able to play as well as you. I've got 5 years practice so watch out!

[@robnobber]

noodling around with the G6 chord shape is now my obsession. thank you

[@DMCSEWS]

“Come with me” “Come with me” “ To the sunlit shores of Wikiki” “Come with me” “Come with me” “To the island in the sea” “Come with me” “Come with me” “To see what fun it will be” “Come with me” “Come with me” “It will be just you and Me” The title can be “Come with me” and I just filled in some words to sing with it. 😁

[@m11bruc]

My favourite ukulele chords are: Gmaj7, Cmaj7, A#maj7, G7 is pretty good. And i've always liked Em.

[@elisapaints]

Love this! Trying to find chords for Waldorf songs is so difficult because of the style of tones they use. These chords sounds so perfect.

[@adriandomingo2525]

Really enjoyed this. Have been playing the my uke for years being from Hawaii. I still love to learn more simple ways to enhance my playing. Mahalo Jim

[@Biscuitplanter7of7FJ]

I just love how you scientifically proved G6 to be the best, if not most interesting chord on the ukulele. Like I can quote you and state G6 as the best chord as a matter of fact. Not say "james hill says", I can say "G6 is the best chord. It's been proven by James Hill(2015)".

[@jameshillmusiq]

:D

[@MarkDendy]

Great James! Love your G6 I think a name for your music could be 'armoniche carine' [pronounced armonee-ke careen'e] meaning 'Pretty Harmonics' Or easier to say, more simply the singular - 'Armonica Carina' pretty harmonic. Awesome lessons. Thank You from Australia & NZ :)

[@LokeLanify]

Ingenious! I introduced this piece with some of my students and since we have winter, I told them to glide on the strings like a figure skater on ice and dance the waltz! So I would propose as a title: Figure skating, hi,hi!

[@Questf4Diamond]

When you have to write a 600 word essay about something that could be described in 10

[@kellygreen5086]

The G6 Lullaby

[@gustinart9043]

I love this! This newbie thanks you and compliments your good taste in chords.

[@IanTranSend]

Wistful Bliss, James Hill. Wistful Bliss. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful exploration of the shape and your freshest tune!

[@janiehopkins7309]

What a great tutorial to stumble on! Ukelele way? why the heck not? not to sound (too) frivolous, but I only happened upon your wonderful video (first through your smash the window tune) because of an email address of an unrequited love (make that lover manque). Damn. Perhaps this is what love is all about (learning the ukelele. etc.), no matter our delusions.

[@jameshillmusiq]

On more than one occasion students who met in my workshops have fallen in love. Who knows, maybe this will all make sense in retrospect!

[@DanielMuvdi]

G6orge melody...

[@robertolozanopetitsoleiluk6797]

I'm completly agree with you ! This G6 is really magical 👍

[@silveiranews]

I love this one and will use it a lot. E7 is still my favorite sound.

[@obi9764]

When he said, "This is G6", I thought, "Then I've been playing Em7 wrong during all this time!".

[@HayDayPhoebe]

Suggestion for your original Hawaiian song.. Aloha Huapala. Aloha is either Hello, goodbye or love. Huapala is sweetheart. Let the person listening to the melody how they want to translate it, either greeting their sweetheart or saying goodbye. I LOVE HAWAIIAN music.

[@ddbtdd]

That was great! Thank you for the lesson!

[@DisNugguhRiteHer]

This guy is the ultimate savage for sharing this type of Ukulele/Music Theory knowledge to world!

[@PiratePhD]

call it "fly like a g6" :P

[@justine8955]

Freddy Krueger hahahahahahaha i see what u did there

[@GabrielGoubet]

hello, how do you make the LAST note ?? thanks for G6 song, I play it every day :-)

[@jameshillmusiq]

It's a harmonic on the 12th fret of the G string. Touch very lightly right over the fretwire and pluck the string. Voilà!

[@GabrielGoubet]

thanks dude !

[@higherandhigher5848]

Love your enthusiasm. Very contagious. Thanks.

[@looklooklearn5531]

My fav uke lesson yet! Thanks James - well done.

[@VeronicaAlsina]

This was excellent. I will never forget how to play this chord or why it is indeed the coolest. Don't forget, a rather fancy aircraft also goes by the same name. Coincidence? #flylikeaG6

[@jameshillmusiq]

Thanks, Veronica!

[@sammartinez6410]

+James Hill what ukulele are you using

[@jameshillmusiq]

DaSilva. Check out www.ukemaker.com.

[@gwencowart2750]

It could be called Geode

[@left_eyebr0w]

Nice name

[@mtorafiki]

Great video. Interesting and inspiring. Relaxed delivery. Thank you

[@KaiCarver]

Thank you! I just played The G6 Song (poorly) and I love it! (and will improve). Also started taking your intro class at Uketropolis and really like it so far. Thank you so much for your playing and teaching!

[@MiaHessMusic]

"Moonlight Dreams" It sounds like moonlight!

[@jacobarquiza4961]

Moonlight uh

[@richardcourt3042]

A cool name for you song would be; "Gee I love your six"

[@pemaher]

Oh my gosh, that little tune is lovely. I want to call it "Two Finger Waltz"!

[@derycktrahair8108]

James Hill, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Uke = easy to start playing but it becomes harder with more advanced chords. It then becomes a "thinking person's instrument". With only 4 notes we have to choose the important notes of a chord. Playing Uke is helping me to understand Music Theory. Thanks again.

[@EsqueletoNoob]

Am I the only one who thinks the G6 chord has a really Legend of Zelda-ish feeling to it?

[@Acid0999]

A bit.

[@Raquel-eh3pd]

+James Hlll The song should be called "A Pineapple Under the Water" (Just anything with pineapple)

[@hanvanderveeken904]

Spongebob!!

[@hainish2381]

beautiful video from someone that loves music! thank you for sharing your passion :D

[@marialock007]

Love it! Thanks a million for sharing.

[@paularthursison7613]

G sus is my fave, coz for me it's sacred =)

[@johnhsu9904]

the theme sounds like silent night

[@edenoverend4405]

THAT SONG YOU WROTE FOR G6 SOUNDED SO COOL

[@francestownend]

thank you James Hill!!! I saw you at Shelter Valley FF a couple of years ago and attended your workshop - You are AWESOME

[@jameshillmusiq]

Thanks for the kind words, Frances. Uke on!

[@samwinsyoulose]

Call it The Gsus Tune

[@eladio4168]

Me and Kray-Z-Gamer came up with the name, also we hope no offense!

[@betacrash]

The Ballad of Farthammer and His Stinky Sidekicks

[@BLACKSNOWFALLING]

Shawn Hines this

[@armchairrocketscientist4934]

As a beginning uke player, I appreciate this video.

[@keveenkorakor]

Yay....you've just upped my game....so stoked to head back to my Ukellington... thanks and love love love Baba Bear from France

[@marmar920]

Here are my lyrics: "Trying to forget your eyes Trying to forget your hair Trying to forget your love But ... can I forget? Can not" (yet)

[@charlesjack1696]

name your song "Deez nuts" because why not right?

[@TheKeksefresser]

your voice is so calming :) great video !

[@redmondconnolly3184]

Wonderful James thanks a million... I added a second part myself... thanks again

[@Vlogsdobbeljoe]

I love the way you teach!!

[@66seb]

Great video, lovely little tune.

[@bleedinghandshughes]

this is exactly how i teach guitar!!! good work great video!!

[@orlybriceno]

Wow sounds so beautiful

[@jamiejohnson5756]

Wonderful. This is similar to something I've been teaching my students…….just much better! Thank you James Hill, your playing is constantly inspiring.

[@jameshillmusiq]

+Jamie Johnson Thanks, Jamie. All the best with your teaching!