Learning chords is an integral component of developing a basic repertoire. Open chords are easily memorizable and suitable even for beginning guitarists!
They contain all the notes from a major scale except the fifth note; however, sus4 chords can be substituted as an interesting sounding substitute to add variety and create more interesting tones.
C Major
C major is an ideal key to start with in terms of chord formation as it features no flats or sharps and all white keys (A E G B C). Starting here gives a solid basis on which to build understanding in theory, harmony, melodic structure, heavy metal and flamenco guitar playing – this rich sonorous sound provides the ideal place for beginners!
Fingering patterns for C major are diverse. One simple method for beginning players is to learn a basic three-finger pattern with your thumb playing C, second finger playing D and third finger playing E; practice moving up and down the scale using other fingers to develop thumb movement, before using these patterns to play chords of all sorts – from basic triads consisting of all seven notes from C major scale triads up or down an entire step, called Suspended chords which give each chord its own distinctive sound.
G Major
G major is one of the easiest keys for guitar chords to learn and one of the most commonly utilized keys for chord compositions. With only one sharp (F), G major can easily be recognized when written out as it features above its line on sheet music.
As with other major keys, E major features an abundance of different triads made up of stacking thirds from its scale notes. Utilizing these chords enables musicians to craft effective progressions and heighten the emotional impact of melodies written in this key.
G major is a classic choice among musicians and has long been used in any number of genres from country music to classical pieces and some of the world’s most beloved songs, such as Sweet Home Alabama and Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.
D Major
The open D major chord is an invaluable asset to guitar players. Its full, rich sound complements various genres and styles well, including heavy metal and flamenco guitar players who often employ it for creating thick chord voicings.
As with other major chords, this chord is composed of three notes joined together by a perfect interval (1 fret or 3 and a half tones), creating the feeling of consonance and resolution – giving these types of chords their lively, upbeat sound.
To play the D major chord, place your index finger over the 2nd fret of the 4th string and strum just the top four strings with your index finger laying across this fret. Strumming slowly and steadily is recommended while practicing using a metronome for rhythm and timing enhancement.
E Major
E Major is a triad, meaning three notes played at once – much like every Major chord it belongs to the I – IV – V progression found in most songs.
When creating any chord from a scale, its characteristics will depend on the intervals between its first and last notes. Major chords sound brighter and happier while minor ones can sound darker or even melancholic.
So a minor third can be defined by moving up half tone from C to E (the distance between these notes), but moving further up another half tone to G will create a Major Second – so the next step in creating major chords.
Dependent upon its use, chords can convey various emotions. Master composer Schubert described them as creating joyous love, clear conscience and hope aspirations while French composer Charpentier saw them more as quarrelsome and boisterous sounds.