Lesson 5.2
Beginner Guitar Chords
In music, a guitar chord is a set of notes played on a guitar. A chord's notes are often played simultaneously, or 'strummed' - usually with the fingers, fingernails or with a pick (plectrum). They can also be played sequentially in an arpeggio - where the strings are plucked one at a time.
The implementation of guitar chords depends on the guitar tuning. Most guitars used in popular music have six strings with the "standard" tuning of the Spanish classical guitar, namely E-A-D-G-B-E' (from the lowest pitched string to the highest); in standard tuning, the intervals present among adjacent strings are perfect fourths except for the major third (G,B).
The implementation of guitar chords depends on the guitar tuning. Most guitars used in popular music have six strings with the "standard" tuning of the Spanish classical guitar, namely E-A-D-G-B-E' (from the lowest pitched string to the highest); in standard tuning, the intervals present among adjacent strings are perfect fourths except for the major third (G,B).
Reading Chord Diagrams
The chords are presented as chord diagrams. If you can not read them, do not panic, we explain to you everything!
- A chord diagram shows the neck of the guitar seen from the front, as if you held your guitar in front of you. The bass string (the low E string) will be on the left. The vertical (up and down) lines represent the strings. Notice how there are six of them? That's because a guitar has SIX STRINGS.
- The frets are symbolized by the horizontal lines across. They are those thin metal bars on the fretboard. They help the string ring out and give the guitar a nice sound.
- The black circles tell you where to place your fingers. They are numbered to specify the position of each finger. From 1 for the index to 4 for the pinky.
- A cross over a vertical line, or string, indicates that it should not be played
- A cricle over a vertical line indicates that you have to play the “open string”, it means without pressing any string down.
Your First Three Guitar Chords
E Major
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A Major
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D Major
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Notice how all of the chords only use your first THREE fingers (index, middle and ring fingers). They change their order around. Practice going between chords without strumming to help you memorize the positions. This will ensure greater fluency when strumming these chords along to a song.
Why these 3 beginner guitar chords?
These major chords are important to learn first when starting on the guitar for several reasons:
These major chords are important to learn first when starting on the guitar for several reasons:
- They are all located in the bottom of the neck and are “open” chords. This means that you don't need complex finger positions, or extreme dexterity in your fingers to achieve. In other words, they are quite easy to play and remember! They are adapted to the level of a guitarist who starts.
- These chords will allow you to play many songs even if you are a beginner! Indeed, they are very frequently used, so you will have access to a wide repertoire in different styles (pop, rock, reggae, blues, folk …) very quickly. It’s still fun to learn an instrument!