As a beginner, the two easiest chords to start learning should be A minor 7 and C major – they will get your fingers moving quickly!
Pay special attention when reading chord diagrams to the Xs and Os, which indicate muted strings while Os show which finger should be used on which string.
C Major Triad
At the outset of this lesson we will consider a C major triad – an extremely straightforward chord made up of only three notes that offers one of the easiest triad structures. Every note in it is spaced apart by three thirds (or four half steps), giving it its distinctive sound compared to other chord types you may already be familiar with.
Major and minor triads sound energetic and positive; their difference lies in the intervals between notes – something we will learn more about later in this lesson.
To play a C major triad, start by placing your first finger on the C note – its root (or starting) note of the scale. Your second and third fingers should land respectively on major third and perfect fifth notes respectively. Don’t forget to strum all strings for maximum effect; doing this will create a fuller sound and offer greater insight into its structure.
D Major Triad
As its name implies, a D major triad is a chord made up of three notes. These notes include its root (D), third (F), and fifth (A). Triads can either be major, minor, diminished, or augmented.
A perfect fifth is typically 7 frets higher than its root note and signifies musical consonance and resolution. As opposed to some chords that may produce dissonant or tension-filled soundscapes, triads tend to produce harmonious sounds that sound harmonious and seamless.
Building a D major triad is easy when using the CAGED method of guitar playing, which makes this perfect for beginners seeking to expand their chord knowledge and increase flexibility on the fretboard.
Remember not to kink your wrist while making these chords; otherwise it could cause strain and pain over time, possibly leading to serious wrist damage. Practice these chords consistently over time for best results; aim for four or five sessions daily.
E Major Triad
The E major triad is an easy chord to learn and can serve as an excellent springboard into more complex chord progressions and harmonies. Like all major triads, this chord contains three unique notes.
This chord follows the same form as an A major triad but inverts it. To invert, simply take its first note and move it up one octave.
In this case, the octave is B and that indicates there are six frets between its root (B) and minor third (F). This dissonant interval is known as a diminished fifth and can be found in A major and D major triads.
When playing triads, it’s essential that your wrist remains straight at all times – this will prevent buzzy sounds as well as possible physical problems for both fingers and posture. Try keeping all four fingers in their normal places during every triad you play for optimal results.
G Major Triad
Hook Theory has identified G major triad as a frequent chord shape in 44% of tracks analyzed so far, often featuring as uptempo dancefloor fillers like Pink’s “Raise Your Glass” or Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe.” Its pleasant sound can elicit feelings of joy and triumph – making it the go-to choice for songs like these two tunes by these artists.
As with other triads we’ve explored so far, this triad consists of only three notes. What sets it apart from its peers is its use of an interval to form it: major triads typically use perfect fifths to produce their bright and joyful tone while minor ones utilize diminished intervals which result in an overall more melancholic vibe.
To play a G major triad on guitar requires using all six strings simultaneously. If this chord type is unfamiliar to you, practice them at least several times daily with clean and even notes in mind and relax your wrists when making these chords.