Beginners typically begin learning major and minor triads as the foundational chords for most songs.
These chords are composed of intervals (major and minor thirds and perfect fifths) played in combinations. By understanding them, you’ll soon be able to play any chord.
1. G Major
G major is a basic chord comprised of G, B and D notes, making it a popular choice among singer-songwriters as it suits vocalists well while providing for some creative improvisatory options involving sixths, sevenths or ninths. Open G chords make switching between other chords such as C or Cadd9 easier as your ring finger does not need to rest on the first string allowing faster transition times between chords like Gmaj7.
Barre chords can be intimidatingly complex for novice guitarists, yet persevering is worth the effort because they open up so many more songs than you think! Additionally, there are variations of open G which allow you to use Ed Sheeran’s Perfect or AC/DC’s powerchords in progressions.
2. C Major
All major scales can be divided into two tetrachords or four-note patterns that repeat in order, making them much simpler to remember than seven or eight-note chords. Guitarists can easily create unique chord progressions that add depth and emotion to their music by playing these scales in different positions and playing around with rhythm and note lengths to add unique harmony sequences that add dimension and emotion.
No matter if they’re kids songs or folk tunes, knowing these simple pieces is vital for playing them at any time – not only when performing for young audiences. One great example is The Banana Boat Song with two chords using G and C as its melody line.
3. E Major
E Major is an earthy key that lends itself to blues songs that deal with themes of sexual rejection or powerful physical desires, as well as country artists such as Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire and Otis Redding who use it extensively in their performances.
E dominant seventh, also referred to as E7, is another chord in this key. To play it you’ll need to take an open E major chord shape all the way down to its 12th fret and add an index finger barre.
Another approach for playing this chord involves taking out your index finger from the 11th fret of A string and instead using pinky as a bar to play this chord, without muteding lower strings, producing a much fuller sound than before.
4. G Minor
G minor chords are three note triads (triads), which can be extended by adding additional notes – this practice is known as embellishment in music and can add “flavors” to a chord.
One way to extend a G Minor chord is to add B flat in its place – this makes the chord more chromatic while creating a darker sound.
By adding D to a G Minor chord, another way of expanding it and creating more tension in a progression.
An easier version of this voicing can be created using just your index finger on E, B & G at the third fret – giving the same result but with reduced finger movement.
5. C Minor
The C minor triad chord is comprised of C, Eb, and G notes with an interval structure of 1m3 5 and is most easily played on guitar with a barre shape.
To create this guitar chord, start by placing your index finger on the fourth (thinnest) string at its first fret, while your second finger should rest comfortably on its fifth string (fiveth fret). Strum both strings simultaneously for an unsettling yet melancholic sounding C minor guitar chord.
Practice these guitar chord progressions over and over to familiarize your ears with how they sound when assembled in certain orders, before trying different chord combinations in your own songs.