New to playing guitar? Which easy guitar chords should you learn first?
It can be difficult for a beginner to know what to learn and focus on. Relax, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide has got you covered with the twelve chords you should learn first. These are the most used chords across the most popular music styles. With these twelve chords, you will be able to play countless songs. Learning basic chords is the most beneficial thing a beginner can do. After you are familiar with the fingerings of each chord, you should learn as many songs as possible.
Pick songs that contain the chords on this list. Practice strumming and changing chords with a metronome at first. Afterward, you can increase the tempo gradually until you reach the performance tempo. The following chords can be found in any chord book on the market.
Helpful note: For more info on reading chord diagrams, check out read guitar chord diagrams.
1) G Major
G major is one part of what I call the big three. The big three is made up of G, C, and D major. These three chords are the most played among guitarists by far. G, C, and D are easy keys for the guitarist to think about and play in because there are very few sharps or flats. A good song in the key of G is “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd.
Back to G. Here’s what it looks like.
G Major (Standard Fingering)
While this is not the easiest fingering of the basic chord, it is an economical one. There is an alternate fingering of the G chord that is often easier for beginners. This is what the alternate fingering looks like.
G Major (Alternate Fingering)
I recommend that you learn to play the G chord with the first fingering given if possible. The alternate way may be easier at first. But, it introduces difficulty with getting to other chords later on. G major must have the notes: G, B, and D.
2) C Major
A member of the big three for sure, and possibly the daddy of them all. No kidding, I play this chord whenever I pick up the guitar. I will tell you that C is one of the most important chords in all of Music Theory. Not just for guitarists but for all musicians.
There are no sharps or flats in the key of C. This makes it easier to build with from a music standpoint. Much of music theory begins with C. “Let it Be” by the Beatles is a great song in the Key of C.
C major must have the notes: C, E, and G.
3) D Major
The last member of the big three. It’s a little uncomfortable at first but it doesn’t take long to get the hang of it. D is so common among guitarists that it is worth getting very good at making this chord. D major is the third most popular key used in all songs on Spotify.
You will be playing this chord as long as you are still playing the guitar! There are many pop songs in the key of D so get used to it now. D is also a very popular key for hard rock and blues music. “Under the Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is in D.
D major must have the notes: D, F#, and A
4) E Major
E major is very common in Pop music and some country music. The chord really shines in Blues and rock music. It’s as if the E major chord is oozing testosterone, a key ingredient for rock and roll.
Get used to the shape of this chord as it will appear over and over again. The shape is the same as another chord on this list called A minor. Some songs in E include “Black or White” by Michael Jackson and “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John.
E major must have the notes: E, G#, and B.
5) A Major
This one is popular in Country and Pop music as well. Eric Clapton and Adele both like to create music in this key. It presents a somewhat optimistic mood.
A major can be a little bit challenging for those with large fingers. You are trying to fit in three fingers within the width of one fret. You will play it often because it is a primary chord in the key of E major. After learning this one it is easy to learn A minor and A7.
A major must have the notes: A, C#, and E.
6) B Major
B major is usually a little difficult for beginners. It is a good idea to get really good at playing A first. This way you will already be familiar with the main shape of the chord and you can add in finger 1.
B is a great chord for a guitarist to have in his/her arsenal. The key of B is associated with negative emotions such as anger and jealousy.
B major must have the notes: B, D#, and F#.
7) F Major
F is probably the most difficult to learn on this list for a beginner. It is challenging because it requires a little more strength in the hands and fingers. Don’t be discouraged, if you stay at it and practice every day you will get it.
Before you know it you will be playing Learning To Fly by Tom Petty. The mood of the F chord can be interpreted in different ways. Many find it to be overly optimistic-sounding.
Still, others find the sound somewhat complacent and able to bend to whatever mood you would like it to be.
F major must have the notes: F, A, and C
8) B Minor
This is a great chord to learn not only because it is used frequently, but also because its “shape” is very useful. This shape can be moved up and down the neck to play in different keys. Example: If you know B minor then you already know the shape of C minor and B Flat minor.
This chord takes some practice to play it well but it’s well worth it. “Hotel California” by the Eagles says all you need to know about the key of B minor.
B minor must have the notes: B, D, and F#.
9) D Minor
The fingering will mess with you at first. It’s not so much that it’s difficult, just a little awkward for a beginner. But with practice, you can get this one.
The chord/key produces a very melancholy mood and/or sense of an unavoidable tragedy. The key was very popular with classical composers such as J.S. Bach (The Art of the Fugue), and Mozart (Requiem). Beethoven also wrote “Symphony No.9” in D minor.
D minor must have the notes: D, F, and A.
10) E Minor
This chord is fun. It’s easy to play, has an excellent familiar sound, and it’s used very often. The chord is very popular among classical guitar composers. The reason for this is two-fold at least.
First off, it produces a “moody” sound that suits the attitude and natural tone of an acoustic guitar. Secondly, most of the strings in the E minor chord are left open (not fretted). With the guitar, anytime you can get the desired result by using fewer fingers it’s generally a good thing. Heavy metal guitarists like to write in E minor too, probably for all the same reasons mentioned above.
E minor must have the notes: E, G, and B.
11) A Minor
Think “House of the Rising Sun”. Am is one of my favorite sounding chords. It’s dissonant and brings to mind “classical guitar” as soon as you hear it. Its relative minor relationship with C major ensures that it will be used always and forever.
In fact, if you want to make a piece that is written in C major easier on the guitar player then transpose it to A minor. The key of Am requires the fingers to stretch less and also enables fewer fingers to be used than C major.
Many of the first songs you play in minor keys will be in E minor or A minor. A minor is the relative minor of C major which means you will play it a lot. You’ll notice that A minor and E major have the same basic shape.
A minor must have the notes: A, C, and E.
12) D7
When you look at the fingering it’s as if D major is being played backward. It is the dominant seventh chord of G major. Its sound is somehow uplifting and unresolved simultaneously. It’s a quality that makes it very important for blues music.
That same quality also makes D7 right at home in country music and softer rock music. To get the feeling of how D7 is used in blues music check out BB Kings “Why I Sing the Blues”. The classic Christmas songs “Deck the Halls” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” also feature the chord.
D7 must have the notes: D, F#, A, and C.
Don’t Forget to Practice
Now that you know the most common chords, repetition is key! Strum simple rhythms like the ones below while switching chords. Start slowly and focus on making the chord produce a full and clear sound. Make sure that you are listening for any muted strings and then adjust your fingers accordingly.
Next, focus on playing the chords in rhythm with a metronome. Finally, practice switching from one chord to another. Practice the strum patterns below. After you get comfortable with them start substituting in the other chords.
Quarter Note Strum Pattern (down-strokes only)
Eighth Note Pattern (use alternating down/up strokes)
Conclusion
And those are the twelve chords you will play most. If you would like to have more basic chords in a book format I recommend “Mel Bay’s Guitar Chords“. This is a tried and true classic that won’t let you down. It is the best-selling chord book ever published.
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