Db5 Ukulele Chord
Db5 on ukulele is 1-1-4-4: barre the 1st fret across the g and C strings with your index finger, put your ring finger on the 4th fret of the E string and your little finger on the 4th fret of the A string. It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. You will also see it written as C#5, C sharp power chord.
- Notes: Db and Ab
- Frets: 1 1 4 4
- Tuning: g C E A
Db5 ukulele chord details
- Type
- Power chord (no 3rd)
- Also known as
- C#5, or Db power chord
- Formula
- 1 5
- Intervals
- Db (root), Ab (perfect 5th)
- Notes
- Db and Ab
- Frets
- 1 1 4 4
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Db5 chord
Here is the Db5 chord step by step:
- Lay your index finger flat across the g and C strings at the 1st fret, a small barre.
- Put your ring finger on the 4th fret of the E string.
- Put your little finger on the 4th fret of the A string.
- Strum all four strings.
Roll your index finger slightly onto its bony side so it presses every string evenly. Read how to play bar chords if it keeps buzzing. New to these grids? Have a look at how to read a ukulele chord diagram.
Is there an easier way to play Db5?
Yes: play it as x-1-4-4. Barre the 4th fret across the E and A strings with your middle finger, put your index finger on the 1st fret of the C string and skip the g string. It uses two fingers instead of three. You give up the g string, but every note of the chord is still there, so it works in any song. Use it while the main shape is still settling, then go back to the full voicing for the bigger sound.
What notes are in the Db5 chord?
The Db5 chord is built from two notes: Db and Ab (the root and perfect 5th). On the ukulele the Ab is doubled, so you get a nice full sound. With no third at all, a power chord is neither major nor minor. It is just a solid, neutral, punchy sound borrowed from rock.
Ukulele songs that use the Db5 chord
- Olivia Rodrigojealousy, jealousy
- Misc MusicalsFreeze Your Brain
- Cardi BWAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)
- IV of SpadesMundo
- Wilbur SootSoft Boy (new)
- Misc MusicalsDead Girl Walking (Heathers)
- Modern BaseballTears Over Beers
- Arctic MonkeysI Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
- Gwen StefaniBubble Pop Electric
- WeezerPork And Beans
Want to go further?
Once Db5 feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try Db7, Dbmaj7, Dbm and Db. Power chords are a rock staple and slide easily up and down the neck. When that feels good, work on switching between chords faster. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.