A Major Ukulele Chord Chart: Visual Diagrams for Right- and Left-Handed Players
By Chloe Bennett
The standard 2-1-0-0 four-string chord shapes apply identically across soprano, concert, and tenor ukes, but the physical feel changes substantially based on scale length and nut width. A soprano neck measures roughly 13 inches from nut to saddle, bunching the first three frets closely together. Players with broad fingers often struggle to wedge their index and middle fingers onto adjacent strings without crowding the nut.
By contrast, a tenor ukulele features a scale length close to 17 inches, offering broader fret spacing and wider string separation. This extra space makes clear separation between the second-fret G string and the first-fret C string far easier to manage. The table below outlines how instrument dimensions and tuning setups influence the execution of the A major chord.
| Ukulele Format | Scale Length Range | Fretboard Spacing Feel | A Chord Harmonic Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano (Standard) | 13, 14 inches | Tight; requires steep fingertip arching near nut | Percussive, chime-like, traditional Hawaiian bell tone |
| Concert | 15, 16 inches | Moderate; comfortable middle ground for most hand sizes | Balanced midrange warmth with clean upper-string clarity |
| Tenor (High-G) | 17, 18 inches | Spacious; minimal fingertip collisions across strings | Sustained, complex overtones across the upper register |
| Tenor (Low-G) | 17, 18 inches | Spacious; identical physical shape to High-G | Full-bodied, guitar-like bass presence on the root A note |
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
