Stretching on Ukulele: How Far is Fair?
I've noticed that I play a lot of chords on ukulele with larger intervals in them, and often the chord voicings have big stretches from the lowest notes to the highest notes.
Obviously, I know beginners often struggle with chord shapes, but for more intermediate to advanced players, how far can most players reach over the fingerboard? Or in more precise words, what's the practical limit on how big a chord can be before it gets unplayable to most people?
As an example, if I asked a friend to play the D above middle C and the E? a minor ninth above it, would that be doable?
For simplicity, let's limit the question to the standard soprano size ukulele. If you want to get specific with tunings, C standard with a high G, since that's the most common one.
(1)1 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
Since standard ukulele tuning has the same intervals as guitar (strings 1-4, frets 5 and up), I write with the same guidelines in mind. If your intended audience is "beginners," stick to basic C-A-G-E-D shapes (open / cowboy chords). If you're writing for intermediate players then barre chords and a five-fret span seem fair. Always keep in mind not only does the chord have to be reachable on its own, but in sequence from the previous / following chords.
It's a serious question. My composition professor in college told us that composers are not required to be able to play their work in order to write their work ... but you want someone to play it :)
If you play the instrument, and you can grab it, then chances are good that others can, too.
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.