Learning guitar chords using tabs is an ideal way to start playing songs independently. Tabs are musical notation that provides directions on where your fingers should go on the fretboard, providing an introduction into playing songs solo.
When you see an arrow over a note, this indicates bending that string to add vocal quality and make chords sound more expressive.
1. C Major
C Major chord is often one of the first open chords guitar players encounter, so this page includes multiple shapes to provide some variety and break away from using only one voiced form for this chord every time it appears.
The open C chord can be played easily from various positions on the fretboard, though its thumb position may prove tricky for beginners. Your thumb should be placed over the back of the neck to reach each note without hitting other strings; though this may take practice to become second nature.
Cadd9 chord is another fantastic variation on this chord and works especially well when you need a C chord without using all your fingers to play it.
2. D Major
D Major is an easy chord to recognize, often found in popular songs such as Led Zeppelin’s “Over the Hills and Far Away” or John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” Additionally, this chord can often be heard in jazz compositions.
A guitar tab depicts frets as numbers stacked atop each other; simply position your fingers as shown and strum the strings that have an “X.” An X indicates that certain open strings should not be played (for instance an A Minor chord).
To grasp the rhythm of music written with guitar tab, refer back to its associated standard musical notation. This will enable you to visualize its rhythmic elements and practice playing along. Or use ChordBank’s Chord Coach app for real-time feedback during practice.
3. G Major
Beginner guitarists usually start off by learning this chord as part of their repertoire, as it helps develop fretboard familiarity. Like other guitar chord tabs, this one reads from left to right while its numbers indicate which strings should be fretted with your fingers.
As seen above, 1 represents the 1st fret on B string while 2 indicates you should bend this string up a whole step. You can read more about standard notation and chord symbols in our guide Chords with Tabs.
If a forward slash appears between two notes, this indicates that you should slide from one note to the other – a common technique used when playing more complex chords.
4. C Minor
These chords are easy for beginners to pick up quickly and can produce a wide variety of sounds that can add depth and variety to their songs. When learning these chords, keep your thumb pointing upward in order to allow your fingers to reach all their positions on the fretboard more efficiently.
Some chords may utilize symbols on the left of a tab that indicate different techniques such as slides, pull-offs (hammer-ons) and bends – none of these techniques are mandatory but can add some flare to your guitar playing! These techniques don’t add complexity but instead help add expression.
Make sure that when reading tab, the vertical numbers are played simultaneously – this will create a fuller sound and help reduce finger pain.
5. D Minor
D minor is one of the most frequently encountered chords on guitar and an ideal way to start out when learning how to play music. You’ll likely come across it many times over, across various genres.
You will see symbols like an “o” above strings to indicate they should be played open (not fretted), and “b” next to notes for bending purposes; in this instance, this tab suggests making a bend at 14th fret of A string.
To do so, place your thumb in the middle of the back of the neck with its flat edge facing up. This will enable you to easily reach frets while positioning fingers correctly in their correct positions. In addition, continue working on finger stretches and keep arched fingers so as not to accidentally brush against or press certain strings accidentally.