Ebm Ukulele Chord
Ebm on ukulele is 3-3-2-1: barre the 3rd fret across the g and C strings with your ring finger, put your index finger on the 1st fret of the A string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the E string. It is a barre shape, which feels awkward at first but is well worth learning. You will also see it written as D#m, D sharp minor.
- Notes: Eb, Gb and Bb
- Frets: 3 3 2 1
- Tuning: g C E A
Ebm ukulele chord details
- Type
- Minor triad
- Also known as
- D#m, or Eb minor
- Formula
- 1 b3 5
- Intervals
- Eb (root), Gb (minor 3rd), Bb (perfect 5th)
- Notes
- Eb, Gb and Bb
- Frets
- 3 3 2 1
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Tuning
- Standard (g C E A)
How to play the Ebm chord
Here is the Ebm chord step by step:
- Lay your ring finger flat across the g and C strings at the 3rd fret, a small barre.
- Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the E string.
- Put your index finger on the 1st 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 Ebm?
Not really. 3-3-2-1 is already the simplest playable shape for Ebm on a ukulele; every alternative either needs more fingers or sits higher up the neck. If it still feels awkward, the tips above are the fix.
What notes are in the Ebm chord?
The Ebm chord is built from three notes: Eb, Gb and Bb (the root, minor 3rd and perfect 5th). On the ukulele the Bb is doubled, so you get a nice full sound. That flattened third is what gives a minor chord its softer, more wistful feel next to a bright major. Curious which chords sit together in a song? See which chords share a key.
Ukulele songs that use the Ebm chord
The Ebm chord belongs to B Major (the iii), G♭ Major (the vi), D♭ Major (the ii), G♯ Minor (the v), E♭ Minor (the i) and B♭ Minor (the iv). Each key page shows the rest of that family, the progressions that use it and songs to play.
Want to go further?
Once Ebm feels comfortable, its close relatives are worth exploring: try Eb7, Ebmaj7, Eb and Ebsus4. Ebm pairs most often with Bb, Ab and Cm, so the few basic chords next to it go a long way. Then put it into a strumming pattern. When you are ready, try some easy ukulele songs.