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Module: Chords & Progressions

Em - G Chord Changes

Learn the Em and G ukulele shapes and practice a smooth one-finger switch between them.

  • Place the Em chord with correct finger positions.
  • Switch to G by moving only one finger.
  • Practice clean, steady transitions between Em and G.
Progress1/17 completed

Em to G: The First Smooth Switch

We start the chord transition series with Em and G. These two chords share most of their shape, so you only move one finger when you switch.

Ukulele Em chord diagramFingering: 0-4-3-2Em321
Ukulele G chord diagramFingering: 0-2-3-2G132

Em Fingering

  • Middle finger: A string, 2nd fret.
  • Ring finger: E string, 3rd fret.
  • Pinky: C string, 4th fret.

G Fingering

  • Keep your middle and ring fingers in place.
  • Lift your pinky from the C string, 4th fret.
  • Place your index finger on the C string, 2nd fret.

Practice the change slowly and make sure both chords ring cleanly.

Next chords:D - C Chord Changes

Questions and Answers

How do I play the Em chord on ukulele?
Em places your middle finger on the A string 2nd fret, ring finger on the E string 3rd fret, and pinky on the C string 4th fret. The G string is played open. Em is often one of the first minor chords beginners learn.
Which fingers stay the same when switching from Em to G on ukulele?
When moving from Em to G, the middle and ring fingers stay in place. You only need to lift the pinky and add the index finger to the C string 2nd fret to complete the G shape.

Next up: D - C Chord Changes