How to Play Ebdim on the Ukulele

The ukulele is an instrument that is unique in many ways. It has its own distinct look, sound and shape. It is most commonly made of koa or acacia wood, but can also be fashioned from woods like mahogany and alpine. Some ukuleles that are electronic can be made of a mixture of wood and plastic. Many chords can be played on the ukulele. The Ebdim or E flat diminished chord is usually used in the key of Eb. When playing in Eb, the Ebdim chord will normally follow the Eb chord. It is also referred to as the Eb- (E flat minus) chord.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Ukulele

1. With your right arm over the body of the instrument and its strings facing away from you, hold the center of the ukulele from underneath with your right hand. Let the neck of the ukulele rest in your left hand near the string spacer (located at the top of the neck). Keep the neck between your left thumb and left index finger.
2. Place your left index finger at the second bar, between the first and second frets. Move the finger to the "G" string on the second bar and hold it down firmly.
3. Use the tip of your left middle finger to hold down the "E" string, also on the second bar between the first and second frets. Keep it under your left index finger, without touching any frets or unassigned strings.
4. Press the tip of your left ring finger down on the "C" string on the third bar between the second and third frets. Also hold down the "A" string (or bottom string) with your pinky in the third bar, under the left ring finger.
5. Ebdim Hold down all assigned strings while keeping your left thumb tight against the back of the ukulele neck. With your right hand, gently strum all of the strings near the center of the ukulele body to hear the Ebdim chord.

Tips & Warnings

• The ukulele strings from top to bottom are G, C, E and A.
• The "string spacer" is used to connect the strings from the head of the ukulele to the neck and keep the strings spaced apart.
• "Frets" are the metal strips that are located on the neck of the ukulele.
• A "bar" is the area located between the frets.
• Keeping your fingers between the frets and not touching them will help produce a clear, uninterrupted sound.