Easy Chords
The diagram below shows what number each string is labelled for the benefit of the chords in the pictures below (this is not guitar tab).
String 6 bass E---------------------------------------------------------------------thick string--
String 5 A---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
String 4 D---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
String 3 G---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
String 2 B---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
String 1 top E----------------------------------------------------------------------thin string---
Open Chords
Each chord has a root note (with most basic open chords the root note is the most dominant note in the chord) which helps to define the chords name. So when playing through the chord it is important to be aware of this note.
It is good practice to make sure that when you play the chord, each note sounds clear and is not muffled. Subtle movement of the finger will help to achieve this. After a time “muscle memory” will help your fingers to automatically locate each string and note without hesitation, but this can only be achieved through regular practice!
Notes
- The photographs below are merely to demonstrate which fingers are used and the strings that are played. My hand had to bend into wierd positions to hopefully display the chords clearly for you!
- There is often more than one way to arrange your fingers to play the required notes in a chord. You could use different fingering variations but theses are the regular ways to play and fret these basic open chords.
- Dominant seventh chords are built with four notes.
- Colour code:-
| Major |
| Minor |
| Dominant Seventh |
A Major |
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The A Major chord (A) is built from the following notes: A, E, and C#. The root note is located on the 5th string (A string).
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C Major |
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The C Major chord (C) is built from the following notes: C, E and G. The root note is located on the 5th string at the 3rd fret (A string).
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D Major |
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The D Major chord (D), is built from the following notes: D, A, and F#. The root note is located on the 4th string (D string).
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E Major |
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The E Major chord (E), is built from the following notes: E, B, and C#. The root note is located on the 6th string (E string).
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F Major |
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The F Major chord (F) is built from the following notes: F, A and C. The F root note is located on the 4th string at the 3rd fret (D string).
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G Major |
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The G Major chord (G) is built from the following notes: G, B and D. The root note is located on the 6th string at the 3rd fret on the bass E string.
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A minor |
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The A minor chord (Am) is built from the following notes: A, E and C. The root note is located on the 5th string (open A string).
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D minor |
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The D minor chord (Dm) is built from the following notes: D, A and F. The root note is located on the 4th string (open D string).
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E minor |
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The E minor chord is built from the following notes: E, B and G. The root note is located on the 6th string (the open E string).
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B Dominant Seventh |
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The B dominant 7th chord is built from the following notes: B, D#, F# and A. The root note is located on the 5th string at the 2nd fret (A string).
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C Dominant Seventh |
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The C dominant 7th chord is built from the following notes: C, E, G and D. The root note is located on the 5th string at the 3rd fret (A string).
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D Dominant Seventh |
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The D dominant 7th chord (D7) is built from the following notes: D, A, F# and C. The root note is located on the 4th string (open D string).
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E Dominant Seventh |
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The E dominant 7th chord is built from the following notes: E, B, D and G#. The root note is located on the 6th string (open E string).
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G Dominant Seventh |
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The G dominant 7th chord (G7) is built from the following notes: G, B, D and F. The root note is located on the 6th string at the 3rd fret (open E string).
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