If you have been playing guitar for some time, chances are that you already understand how to read a chord chart. Lines, dots, Xs and Os are meant to indicate which frets need pressing on when performing each chord.
D/F# chord is a ubiquitous chord found in numerous songs and can also be known as D over F sharp or D slash F sharp.
D Major
D/F# is an effective slash chord to practice as it sounds similar to D major chord. Beginners will find this chord particularly accessible.
Form a barre by placing your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret, creating an open sound by muzzling one string with your thumb for more open sounding sound.
Strum the chord carefully, paying particular attention to producing clear and strong tones for each note. Repeatedly practice this chord until it can be played without the bass F# note vibrating through your guitar body.
D Minor
D minor chords can often be heard being played in Open D tuning (which is commonly found in blues, rock and Celtic music) on an acoustic guitar. Such chords are commonly known as ‘slash” chords because the note before and after the slash represents two notes that together make up the actual chord; the note after serving as its bass note counterpart.
One approach to creating this chord more simply involves placing one finger across all six strings at the second fret and creating a barre. However, this version won’t sound quite as full.
E Major
E Major is often one of the first major chords beginners learn, providing the foundation of numerous songs. It pairs nicely with A Major and B Major chords.
Notation for this chord includes a slash (), denoting the lowest note being played in bass position, or bass position is known as power chords. To hone your fingerboard skills further, try playing this chord in either fourth or fifth position to practice fingerboard skills.
F Major
Beginning guitarists often struggle to learn F Major chords. Reaching across all six strings with your index finger can be quite demanding.
However, there are simpler ways of playing an F chord. One such technique involves using your thumb as an aid – acting almost like a lever!
Another option for creating an F major chord that sounds summery (or jazzy, as needed) is by shifting up an E shape one fret and barrening the 1st string with your index finger. This will result in an F major chord.
G Major
G major chord is a staple in many tunes and should be practiced alongside C or D chords to develop your ability to play chord progressions more smoothly. By practicing transitions from G major to these other two chord types, you will further strengthen your repertoire of chord progressions and increase their proficiency.
There are various open voicings of the G major chord that each create a distinctive sound, most famously AC/DC’s “Rockin’ G” shape used by Angus Young on Highway To Hell and other hits.
A Major
This chord in the slash chord sequence is an easy one to play, which can be muted using the underside of your thumb. On some guitars with closer string spacing it may be challenging to ring out all three notes cleanly at once – practice makes perfect!
This chord is similar to figure 2, except it includes an added C# bass note for an audacious lower voicing that works great for rhythm parts.
B Major
This full barre chord requires more strength and effort to play than other beginner chords, with proper finger placement in their correct places as well as knowledge on how to mute the fifth string by using your thumb.
Begin by placing your index finger on the E string’s 2nd fret and using your other three fingers to form a D chord. Strum this chord while changing between various beginner chords to it – try making up to 60 chord changes per minute!
C Major
C major chord is one of the first chords beginners learn, and this post explores some variations on its basic open voicing that may help expand your chord repertoire.
To create this variation on a regular C chord, add your third finger on the fifth string to create an F# note that can be muted using your thumb beneath the fretboard. Play your chord and ensure all notes ring clearly before strumming it out.
D/F# Major
The D/F# chord (often written as “D slash F sharp”) is one of the essential guitar chords for beginners to learn, as evidenced by its use in songs like Blackbird by The Beatles and Wonderwall by Oasis; both tracks demonstrate its expressive power.
Establishing clean chord transitions is a key part of becoming an accomplished guitarist, so practicing D/F# and A major chords together often will facilitate this change quickly.