Learning how to play basic chords on guitar is a great way to start your musical journey. In this guide, we will cover the basics of guitar chords, how to read chord charts, and some tips to help you get started.
What Are Chords?
A chord is when you play three or more notes together to create a harmony. In guitar, chords are made up of pressing down multiple strings at once with your fingers in a certain order. There are many different chords you can learn on guitar, but we will focus on some of the most basic ones.
Basic Chords
The three most basic chords you can learn on guitar are the C chord, G chord, and D chord. These chords have been used in many popular songs, such as “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan, “Love Me Do” by The Beatles, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses, and “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton. You’ll see the much longer list at the end of this lesson.
Reading Chord Charts
A chord chart typically consists of six vertical lines, each representing one of the guitar strings. The lines are numbered from left to right as the 6th string, 5th string, 4th string, 3rd string, 2nd string, and 1st string. These lines intersect with horizontal lines that represent the frets on the guitar neck (See Figure 1).
Finger Positions
When you look at a guitar chord chart, you’ll see black dots that tell you where to put your fingers. The dot shows you which string and which fret to play, while the number inside tells you which finger to use (See Figure 1). The index finger is number 1, the middle finger is 2, the ring finger is 3, and the pinky finger is 4. But the thumb is different and doesn’t have a number. Instead, we use a big letter “T” to show when you use your thumb to press a string. These symbols make it easy for guitar players to know which finger to use and play chords and songs quickly (See Figure 2).
Fret Numbers
When you play guitar chords, you need to know where to put your fingers on the strings. Fret numbers tell you which frets to start playing a chord. We use Roman numerals to label the frets on a chord chart. The 1st fret is the one closest to the nut and we call it “I”. The 2nd fret is “II”, 3rd fret is “III”, and so on. You can use these numbers to find the right place to play chords that start on higher frets. This helps you play music easily like a pro!
Open String(s)
If you see an “O” symbol in a chord chart, that means you play the chord without pressing down any fingers on that string. This lets the string make a clear sound that you can hear. So, “O” means you let that string play its own note without touching it.
Muted or Deadened String(s)
If you see an “X” symbol on a guitar string, that means you shouldn’t play that string. To make sure it doesn’t make any noise, you can mute or stop the string from vibrating by touching it with the side of your finger or any part of your finger that’s closest to that string. So, “X” means you don’t play that string, and you can touch it to keep it quiet. Tip: you can use your thumb to mute the 6th string.
By using a chord chart, you can quickly learn how to play chords and start playing your favorite songs. With some practice, reading chord charts will become second nature, and you’ll be able to easily learn new chords to add to your playing repertoire.
The C Chord
To play the C chord, start by placing your third (ring) finger on the third fret of the 5th string. Next, put your second (middle) finger on the second fret of the 4th string. Finally, place your first (index) finger on the first fret of the 2nd string. Make sure all three fingers are pressing down firmly and that the open strings are not being muted (See Figure 3). Strum all six strings to hear the C chord.
The G Chord
To play the G chord, start by placing your second (middle) finger on the third fret of the 6th string. Next, put your first (index) finger on the second fret of the 5th string. Finally, place your third (ring) finger on the third fret of the high 1st string. Make sure all three fingers are pressing down firmly and that the open strings are not being muted (See Figure 4). Strum all six strings to hear the G chord.
The D Chord
To play the D chord, start by placing your first (index) finger on the second fret of the 3rd string. Next, put your third (ring) finger on the third fret of the 2nd string. Finally, place your second (middle) finger on the second fret of the 1st string. Make sure all three fingers are pressing down firmly and that the open strings are not being muted (See Figure 5). Strum all six strings to hear the D chord.
Tips for Beginners
Learning how to play chords on guitar can be challenging at first, but with practice, you can become a pro. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with the basics – Start with learning the C, G, and D chords before moving on to more complicated chords.
- Practice regularly – Try to practice for at least 20-30 minutes every day to help build muscle memory and improve your skills.
- Use a metronome – A metronome is a tool that helps you keep time while practicing. Start with a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. For a digital metronome, the KLIQ MetroPitch is a good option. It not only functions as a metronome, but also as a tuner and tone generator. For a mobile app, the Pro Metronome app is a great choice. It has a wide range of tempos, customizable beats, and other helpful features for practicing with a metronome.
- Don’t give up – Learning a new skill takes time and practice, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing and you will improve over time.
- Experiment – Once you have mastered the basic chords, try experimenting with different chord progressions and strumming patterns to create your own unique sound.
- Learn from others – Watching tutorials online or taking lessons from a teacher can be a great way to learn new chords and techniques.
More Songs with G, C, and D Chords
After you can change chords without stopping, try playing along with any of the songs listed below. You can find them on YouTube or Spotify!
- “Seven Bridges Road” by Eagles
- “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
- “The Gambler” by Kenny Rodgers
- “All Summer Long” by Kid Rock
- “Let Her Cry” by Hootie & the Blowfish
- “Leaving On a Jet Plane” by John Denver
- “Jack And Diane” by John Mellencamp
- “Blowin’ In the Wind” by Bob Dylan
- “Love On the Weekend” by John Mayer
- “Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel
- “Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash
- “Barbara Ann” by The Beach Boys
- “Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison
- “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
- “Wonderful” by Everclear
- “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison
Remember, learning how to play guitar takes time and practice, but it can be a fun and rewarding experience. With these tips and some dedication, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time. Good luck and see you in Part 2!
