One of the first lessons any guitarist learns to play are chords. At its core, chords consist of three different notes played simultaneously to produce sound.
When playing chords, it’s essential to keep in mind their relationship with its melody. To assist with this endeavor, try playing them along to a song with melodies.
1. C#m
C minor chord is a three-note triad composed of its root note (C), its minor third note (E), and perfect fifth (G#). Due to its three sharps in its key signature, playing this chord may be challenging for beginners.
When used with the appropriate song, this chord exudes an expressive softness that can convey feelings of longing and sincerity. Adele’s hit “Rolling in the Deep” provides an ideal opportunity to practice using power chords with which this chord works beautifully.
2. F#m
The F sharp minor (Fm) chord brings depth and drama to songs while remaining relatively easy to play compared to other barre chords.
Form an Fm shape by placing your index finger on the 3rd, 2nd and 1st strings (the three highest strings). Next, barre your ring finger at the fifth fret of the 4th string to create an Fm triad in second inversion; as the 6th string won’t be played this voicing makes Fm easier to play than its full six string version.
3. G#m
G minor chords don’t often feature prominently in popular music, yet they know exactly how to evoke strong emotional responses in listeners. Perfect for creating tension or adding worry into a piece, the G minor chord can add tension and unease into a composition.
An G triad consists of a root (G), minor third (B), and perfect fifth (D). When fingered, place your index finger on the sixth string while keeping middle and pinky fingers on first and second strings respectively.
ChordBank’s free online guitar coach allows you to practice G minor with real-time feedback on your fretboard, providing step-by-step guidance from finger to finger.
4. Bm
Bm is an excellent chord for beginners to start learning chords on guitar. To play it, simply slide an open A-minor chord up two frets until it forms the Bm shape. Pro Tip: Arpeggios make great tools for sounding out chords but can also serve as excellent ear training exercises; try repeating playing them over and over to gain better aural recognition of chord shapes much more quickly!
As you play this song, be sure to count each beat. This helps ensure your rhythm remains in sync, and each chord receives sufficient pressure.
5. D
Full chords give this chord melody its majestic feel, though strumming accuracy might require some practice; guitarists might find it difficult to reach both the F# (fourth fret of regular D string) and open D string in measure three; however, that’s perfectly acceptable.
Welcome Joyful World, Our Lord Has Come; let every heart prepare a place for Him; let Heaven and Nature Sing together.
6. E
This chord has a grand sound that complements the melodies in this song’s chorus, while still being easy on your strumming fingers. However, you must ensure you don’t hit any strings that don’t belong within this chord when strumming.
Fingering the guitar correctly can be challenging at first; using your index and middle fingers to fret three different strings at once requires practice to perfect. Though initially it might feel challenging, with time it becomes easier.
7. F
Joy to the World features an F chord as its final chord; this open chord can be quite easy for beginners to play.
Acing this technique may take practice, as your second finger may prevent the open G string from sounding out. But working on it will certainly pay off in terms of adding a majestic sound to any song – similar to when playing an open D chord chord.
8. C
C minor chords possess an introspective sound, adding depth to your guitar playing. A great chord to practice and learn.
When learning a new chord, it is vital that each string/note be practiced individually in order to ensure no strings muffle the sound of the chord and that your fingers are placed correctly on the fretboard.
Power chords may prove more challenging, as used extensively by Adele in Rollin’ in the Deep. You can practice with them by following Adele’s song Rollin’ in the Deep which features power chords prominently.