Last Updated on September 2, 2022 by Play Guitar Notes
Most of the learning guitar is learning chords. For a beginner, there are eight incredibly commonly used chords that form the basis of a lot of modern music. Luckily, these chords are also quite easy compared to some more advanced ones!
First, it is important to know the names of the strings. Low E is the lowest sounding string, followed in ascending order by A, D, G, B, and high E. We will be referring to these strings for chord directions.
The simplest commonly used chord on the guitar is E minor, usually written as Em. Em is a great beginner chord because it only uses two fingers! This chord is comprised of the notes E, B, and G. Since E, B, and G are four of the open strings, we only need to play a B on the second fret of A, and an E on the second fret of D. Simple!
E Minor Guitar Chord
For an E Major, usually written as just E, you only need to play an E minor, but add a finger on the first fret of the G string to play an A flat.
E Mayor Guitar Chord
A minor is another simple chord. Simply play a C on the first fret of B, an A on the second fret of G, and an E on the second fret of D, leaving the rest of the strings open.
A Minor Guitar Chord
For an A chord, take an A minor, but move the finger on the B string down one fret to form a C sharp on the second fret.
A Mayor Guitar Chord
D minor is a little bit of a trickier hand position, but it is easy with some practice. Play an F on the high E string by holding it down at the first fret, then an A on the second fret of the G string, and finally a D in the third position of the B string. For this chord, only play the highest four strings.
D Minor Guitar Chord
To play a D major instead, simply move the E string up a fret to F sharp on the second fret. Again, all other fingers the same, and only play the highest four strings.
D Mayor Guitar Chord
C chord is a very common chord in beginner guitar songs. To play this chord, play C on the A string third fret, the second fret of the D string to play an E, and the C on the first fret of the B string. Avoid playing the low E string.
C Guitar Chord
G chord is another big one for simple guitar songs. Play the G on the third fret of the low E string, a B on the second fret of the A string, and another G on the third fret of the high E string.
G Guitar Chord
There are many, many more chords than this, but these eight chords, or slight variations of them, are enough to play many popular songs. As you become more advanced, it is a good idea to start working on more advanced chord types, like bar chords. However, practicing these will give you a solid foundation in guitar playing.