For those who thought learning guitar would come to them instantly the second someone simply showed them what string to strum are often surprised when first introduced to the complexity of chord theory. Only a remarkable, and lucky few are able to play music by ear, so for the rest of us learning basic guitar chords is necessary in order to begin the process of learning music, and perhaps eventually even putting our ideas in a song to be played on this instrument.
Once you’ve learned the basics of fretting it’s time to get serious about learning the chords. You know how to make the sounds and tones with by finger placement, so it’s time to find out what sound and tones are called.
Starting Out Simple
While it might look complicated to start, bear in mind you will mostly be working with minor and major cords. In most songs learned on the guitar in the beginning you will only be working with the major chords.
The major guitar chords are C, G, D, A, and E, and you will find these five basic combinations in many songs.
As you practice you see these chords repeated again, and again. The basic chords you will need to learn first are G, C, and D. Master these first, and the rest of your learning experience will be easier. Teachers of the guitar often start students with these three chords and have them practice for some time before moving on in order to completely familiarize the students with the chords until the finger placement and strumming become second nature.
Once you’ve learned the basics of fretting it’s time to get serious about learning the chords. You know how to make the sounds and tones with by finger placement, so it’s time to find out what sound and tones are called.
Starting Out Simple
While it might look complicated to start, bear in mind you will mostly be working with minor and major cords. In most songs learned on the guitar in the beginning you will only be working with the major chords.
The major guitar chords are C, G, D, A, and E, and you will find these five basic combinations in many songs.
As you practice you see these chords repeated again, and again. The basic chords you will need to learn first are G, C, and D. Master these first, and the rest of your learning experience will be easier. Teachers of the guitar often start students with these three chords and have them practice for some time before moving on in order to completely familiarize the students with the chords until the finger placement and strumming become second nature.
The G Major Positioning
While C is the first major chord most people start by learning G major, as you will need this one the most often especially in the beginning. Some refer to this simply as the G chord, but this can lead to confusion as there is the G major, and the G minor.
For the G major chord place your second finger on the third fret of the sixth string. You will then take your first finger and place it on the second fret of the fifth string. If you were already taught basic fret styles you know that with the major chords you want to keep your fingers curled. Don’t be surprised if it takes some practice to hold the G major without touching any other strings. As you practice more your fingers will develop more strength and dexterity making it easier.
Take the pick and strike all six strings at the same time. When you are sure you are striking the chord perfectly take some time and attempt to remember this sound. As you work at becoming used to the guitar you want to memorize not only the correct finger placement, but also how each chord should sound when played.
While C is the first major chord most people start by learning G major, as you will need this one the most often especially in the beginning. Some refer to this simply as the G chord, but this can lead to confusion as there is the G major, and the G minor.
For the G major chord place your second finger on the third fret of the sixth string. You will then take your first finger and place it on the second fret of the fifth string. If you were already taught basic fret styles you know that with the major chords you want to keep your fingers curled. Don’t be surprised if it takes some practice to hold the G major without touching any other strings. As you practice more your fingers will develop more strength and dexterity making it easier.
Take the pick and strike all six strings at the same time. When you are sure you are striking the chord perfectly take some time and attempt to remember this sound. As you work at becoming used to the guitar you want to memorize not only the correct finger placement, but also how each chord should sound when played.
The C and D Chords
The C chord and D chords are considered much more difficult by beginners, but for slightly different reasons. When you play either of these chords in the beginning it’s good to have someone around who knows about the fret placement for your fingers, and who knows exactly how the chords should sound.
When playing C major place your third finger on the fifth string at the third fret. Your second finger is to be placed on the second fret of the fourth string, and your first finger is placed at the on the first fret of the second string. You will still keep your fingers slightly curled if possible. For some people this placement is a bit of a stretch, so you might want to practice this chord often to get used it. When you are playing the C major chord you will not strum the sixth string, instead strum the other five and listen to this sound. Eventually when you play you hear the mistake of hitting the sixth string by accident, and eventually you will find this chord more natural without so much thought having to go into playing it.
D major has the effect of making you feel as if you must cram your fingers into an unusual position in a small space, but again you will get used to this basic guitar chord. You first finger is on the second fret of the third string, your third finger goes to the third fret of the second string, and your second finger goes to the second fret of the first string. You only strum the bottom four strings for the D major. Again, if possible having someone with experience see your placement, and hear you strum the chord the first few times is very helpful.
The C chord and D chords are considered much more difficult by beginners, but for slightly different reasons. When you play either of these chords in the beginning it’s good to have someone around who knows about the fret placement for your fingers, and who knows exactly how the chords should sound.
When playing C major place your third finger on the fifth string at the third fret. Your second finger is to be placed on the second fret of the fourth string, and your first finger is placed at the on the first fret of the second string. You will still keep your fingers slightly curled if possible. For some people this placement is a bit of a stretch, so you might want to practice this chord often to get used it. When you are playing the C major chord you will not strum the sixth string, instead strum the other five and listen to this sound. Eventually when you play you hear the mistake of hitting the sixth string by accident, and eventually you will find this chord more natural without so much thought having to go into playing it.
D major has the effect of making you feel as if you must cram your fingers into an unusual position in a small space, but again you will get used to this basic guitar chord. You first finger is on the second fret of the third string, your third finger goes to the third fret of the second string, and your second finger goes to the second fret of the first string. You only strum the bottom four strings for the D major. Again, if possible having someone with experience see your placement, and hear you strum the chord the first few times is very helpful.
Gaining Experience Using the Basic Guitar Chords
You can start playing a few songs with these three basic chords. Learning a song helps to break the monotony of practicing. The song, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a good example of music that sounds complicated, but is easy to play once you master these basic chords.
You can start playing a few songs with these three basic chords. Learning a song helps to break the monotony of practicing. The song, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” is a good example of music that sounds complicated, but is easy to play once you master these basic chords.