When guitarists speak about “one, four, five” chord progressions they are referring to intervals between these notes – an essential concept in learning guitar chord theory.
Chord diagrams depict your strings vertically while horizontal lines symbolize frets horizontally. Anywhere there’s an “x”, that indicates it is unplayed.
1. C Major
C Major guitar chords can be found across a wide spectrum of music genres, ranging from reggae rhythms such as those created by UB40 to modern pop styles like Coldplay. By learning different shapes for this common chord, alternative sounds will add new dimensions to your guitar playing and create something memorable!
Addition of “color” to chords can add depth or create new sounds; however, any change must still complement the rest of their voicing – for instance adding D to an initial C chord creates Cmaj7 chord voicing.
2. D Major
A D major chord is a diatonic triad often heard in songs by Elvis such as Can’t Help Falling in Love. It usually precedes another G or A major chord progression for added dimension.
As it’s an integral part of your repertoire, practicing moving between different shapes of a D chord should become part of your routine. An excellent way to do so is through practicing its first inversion (known as inverting).
3. E Major
The E major chord is an essential foundation of rock and blues music, as well as being an ideal way for beginners to practice chord changes since only one finger needs to change from two other positions.
This major chord contains E, G# and B. As in any Major chord, its intervals correspond with those found within its scale of origin.
Listening to Elvis Presley’s classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Reba McEntire’s modern country tune or Otis Redding’s timeless “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” will surely put a smile on your face and fill you with enjoyment! Enjoy!
4. G Major
G Major chord is one of the first chords most beginner guitarists learn, as its key signature only contains one sharp (F).
Beginners may find this shape challenging as it requires stretching their fingers across both strings one and six. To reduce buzzy strings, try bending your fingers so they are more compact.
5. A Major
Learning this essential chord shape opens up a wealth of musical opportunities. It has appeared in songs across genres, and practicing it regularly will open even more doors for you musically.
A major chord is made up of three notes – its root, major third and perfect fifth. By stacking additional notes together with these three, other types of chords such as diminished and augmented can be formed.
To create the A chord, first bar all five strings except for the sixth (low) string and place your finger at its second fret – an A note will result.
6. B Major
B Major is an ideal acoustic guitar chord and sounds fantastic in any song that requires one. While this chord may be challenging for beginners to play initially, you can find ways to simplify its performance to help give your fingers and wrists a much-needed break!
As it’s also a moveable chord, shifting it one fret up can give you a C chord or up two frets will give an D chord etc.
7. C Minor
Minor chords don’t necessarily sound sad; they can also express power and passion – as seen in Adele’s Rolling in the Deep.
Make use of these progressions below to see how chords can create a song with an obvious beginning, middle, and end. Practice until they become second nature – good luck!
8. D Minor
D minor, commonly known by its acronym Dm, is an integral chord used in numerous key progressions and an excellent way to practice moving up and down your guitar neck.
Try this creative voicing of D minor with the addition of C an octave lower. It will train your fingers to avoid hitting low A string while honing percussive strumming skills!
9. E Minor
E Minor chord is one of the most frequently used open chords on guitar, typically played using both second and third fingers. Some guitarists may prefer using first two fingers instead.
Experience this barre voicing of the chord in seventh position (Example 4a). Add low open E strings for added fatness if needed and create an Em chord that brings drama and mystery to your songs!
10. G Minor
As soon as you’ve become comfortable practicing G Minor piano scale, finger patterns, and chords with Hoffman Academy, try playing a song in that key.
G Minor chords don’t tend to make appearances very often in music composition, but when necessary they can add a distinct sound that sets apart songs.
ChordBank’s app can show you step-by-step how to form this chord using its standard barre chord shape.