Guitar chords consist of multiple notes being played simultaneously to produce a fuller sound than individual string strums alone.
A chord chart, also referred to as a chord diagram, shows where your fingers should go on the guitar. Vertical lines represent guitar strings while horizontal ones represent frets.
Easy Guitar Chords
Beginning to learn basic chords early will provide a firm foundation upon which to build songs and acquire guitar licks.
A chord diagram depicts strings with black dots and fingerings for each hand (1 = index finger, 2 = middle finger, 3 = ring finger and 4 = pinky finger). An “O” indicates leaving that string open as part of the chord; an X indicates it should not be played.
As a beginner, when beginning chord playing, your fingers may initially buzz or not reach all frets properly. While this is normal and will improve over time, what matters is making sure the chords sound out clearly.
Basic Chords
Beginner or veteran guitarist alike, it is crucial that they know these basic chords. Chords form the backbone of music and can help them to play all kinds of songs.
First up will be major triads – these chords consist of three notes separated by an interval.
The diagram below displays where to position your fingers on the fretboard for these triads. An “x” indicates which strings should be muted (not played), and numbers on top indicate which finger should place themselves on each fret (1=index, 2=middle etc). An open string (o) stands in between.
Major Chords
Chords are at the core of what gives songs their sound and atmosphere, being groups of notes played at specified intervals (intervals are the spaces between musical notes). Selecting chords with care can transform a tune from bright and upbeat to dark and moody in an instant.
Major chords are typically the first guitar chords students learn. Composed of three elements–Root, Major Third and Fifth–they make for easy chord formation and formation.
A major chord contains a Perfect Fifth, the space between its root note and fifth of its respective scale.
Minor chords feature a minor third interval – between the first and second note in C minor for instance – known as an interval or minor third. They may also be known by other names such as Cmin or Cm.
Minor Chords
Minor chords are another essential group for beginner guitarists to become acquainted with, along with majors. Minors typically sound more “melancholic” or sad than major chords and can convey many different emotions.
Essentially, a minor chord features a flattened third interval on its bottom half and major third at its peak – this makes it sound different to its major chord counterpart and often marks them out as being distinct musical expressions.
Understanding Major and Minor Chords will greatly enhance your ability to play songs and compose music. Be patient as you practice regularly using chord diagrams as visual guides for where fingers should land on strings – ultimately the key point here is that you enjoy this journey as a musician!
7th Chords
Seventh chords can add an extra tension and complexity to your music, consisting of a triad with an additional note – often used in modern composition for tonal harmony.
There are five distinct seventh chords: major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th and diminished 7th chords. Each has its own sound that can help convey emotions through music.
These advanced chords may seem intimidating at first, but learning them will make you a more versatile guitarist. To play one, take an existing triad and lower its third (E) and fifth (B). The resultant sound creates an emotional melancholy chord.