Playing a chord involves using your pick to strike several
notes at one time on the guitar.The main open chords (chord forms) used in most music
are described below. You should also review the lessons on power chords and bar chords.
Chord Name
Chord Shape
A major
Place your first finger on the second fret
of the fourth string. Next, put your second finger on the second fret on the third string, and then your third finger on the
second fret of the second string. Strum the bottom five strings (being careful to avoid the sixth). The X on the top tell you not
the hit that string. This is difficult at first but will become easier over time. Click here to hear it!
A Minor
Place your second finger on the second
fret of the fourth string, your third finger on the second fret of the third string and finally your first finger on the first
fret of the second string. Hit the Bottom four strings.Click here to hear it!
C major
Place your third finger on the third fret
of the fifth string, and your second finger on the second fret of the fourth string. Finally, put your first finger on the first
fret of the second string. Click to her it!
D major
Place your first finger on the second fret
of the third string, your third finger on the third fret of the second string, and your second finger on the second fret of
the first string. Play the bottom 4 strings when playing a D major chord. Click to hear it!
D minor
Placeyour first finger on the first fret of the first string, your second
finger on the second fret of the third string, and your third finger to the third fret of the second string. Play the bottom four
strings. Click to hear it!
E minor
Placeyour second finger on the second fret of the fifth string and your third
finger on the second fret of the fourth string. Strum all six strings. Click to hear it!
F major
Start by placing your first finger on the
first frets of both the first and second strings. Which may be difficult when your first start, but will become easier with time.
Next, place your second finger on the second fret of the third string, and your third finger on the third fret of the fourth
string. Strum only the bottom four string. Click to hear it!
G major
Placeyour second finger on the third fret of the sixth string, your first finger
on the second fret of the fifth string, and your third finger on the third fret of the first string. Play all 6 strings. Be care
not to mute adjacent strings. Click to hear it!
Learn these basic chords and you will have a good foundation to start playing songs, and for learner more advance chord
figures, barre chords, and power chords.
