Chord progressions form the backbone of song structure. They provide the framework for melodies and lyrics.
Learn to read guitar tabs so you can play the chords to the classic song Stand By Me on guitar. This song serves as an excellent demonstration of how an easy chord progression can be used across various musical styles.
1. C major
Many musicians have noted that each musical key evokes different feelings. C major chord is known to bring on feelings of strength and security; its use has even been found in popular songs by Carly Rae Jepsen, Leonard Cohen, and The Bloodhound Gang.
C major scale doesn’t contain any sharps or flats, meaning it can be played without having to use accidentals.
All major scales can be broken down into two major tetrachords, four-note segments arranged 2-2-1 that make up each major scale. This method makes memorizing this structure simpler while helping minimize distances between chords when playing up and down the neck.
2. D major
D major chord is one of the first chords beginners learn, and is used in songs from across genres. It is easy to play; similar fingerings can even be applied across keys using a capo.
The D major chord is a triad, comprised of its root note, major third note and perfect fifth (steps one, two and four of the D major scale). You may add additional notes such as sevenths or sixths for added interest.
D minor 7th is another variant on D major, including all the intervals from D major with an added minor seventh note – often abbreviated to Dm7 – and can sound great as part of sequence with D major, making it popular with guitarists from Led Zeppelin to KT Tunstall.
3. G major
G major is an integral key, used in virtually all genres of music. Its bright, happy voice makes it accessible for beginners while it can also be found in classical works by Hector Berlioz (Harold en Italie) or Frederic Chopin (Prelude Op. 28/3 and Nocturne Op 37/2).
As it requires only a single sharp, F sharp, it makes learning this chord much simpler than keys requiring multiple sharps. Therefore, its knowledge should be prioritized highly.
To play it, place your thumb on the first string, with each finger playing one note: fourth finger plays A, third finger plays B, 2nd finger over thumb plays C and 1st finger D (if playing B chord over it is desired). Strum the chord for two beats before shifting onto the next chord in its progression.
4. E major
E major is an essential key for all chord progressions. Its relative minor is C# minor while its parallel minor is B minor.
E Major has several patterns for playing scales on the fretboard, but learning them is easiest with scale diagrams. These charts display where notes on a guitar fretboard are located as well as which finger to use to play them.
Guitar tabs provide another means of representing E major scale music. Simply write out all the same information.
No matter which chart you use, keep this in mind: sharps (#) represent one fret up while flats () represent one fret down. Furthermore, each position features a series of intervals connecting with other positions.
5. F major
F major chords can be dauntingly challenging for newcomers to the guitar, requiring their index finger to simultaneously cover all six strings – often leading to fret buzz, sore fingers and even strained wrists.
An easy way to avoid this issue is to simply mute the thickest string (F). This creates an Fmaj7 chord that may differ slightly from traditional F major chords but still sounds great and fits with most song keys.
Once you feel confident with this form of F chord, start practicing switching it to C and G chords – this will ease into more advanced chords for beginners as well as help develop strumming skills! This practice session can also serve as an opportunity to hone strumming techniques!