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How To Learn Guitar Chords
By chris | May 10, 2009
Learning guitar chords is fundamental to teaching yourself guitar. This article will introduce you to 3 common chords that are appropriate for beginners. Once you’ve learned these, you’ll be able to play along to at least one 90’s alternative rock hit.
The first chord to learn is the C chord. This chord uses a combination of C, E, and G notes to produce its distinct sound. Follow these steps to construct the chord:
C Chord
- Apply pressure to the B string at the first fret with your index finger. This creates a C note.
- Apply pressure to the D string at the second fret with your middle finger. This creates an E note.
- Apply pressure to the A string at the third fret with your middle finger. This creates another C note.
- Strum the strings with your right hand from the low E string to the high E string.
Next, let’s take a look at the D chord. The D chord is made up of the notes D, F#, and A. The D chord is slightly harder to play than the C chord, but practice enough and you’ll get it. Here’s how you create a D chord:
Chord D
- Apply pressure to the G string at the second fret with your index finger. This creates an A note.
- Apply pressure to the high E string at the second fret with your middle finger. Placing your finger and applying pressure might be difficult at first. This creates an F# note.
- Apply pressure to the B string at the third fret with your ring finger. This creates a D note.
- Before strumming, place your pick (or finger) on top of the D string. Strum down from this point. This allows you to play only the notes that are supposed to be in the D chord. If you played from the lowest string, you would include an E note.
Lastly, let’s play a G chord. This chord needs G, B, and D notes. Follow these steps to play it:
Chord G
- Apply pressure to the A string at the second fret with your index finger. This creates a B note.
- Apply pressure to the low E string at the third fret with your middle finger. This creates a G note.
- Apply pressure ot the high E string at the third fret with your ring finger. This creates another G note. The D note is provided by the open D string.
- Strum the strings from low to high.
So there you have it – your first guitar chords. Try playing the chords one after another in different orders. It will probably be quite difficult at first. Fortunately for you, fingers have memory. They will eventually remember where they’re supposed to be placed automatically.
For your first song, I recommend Third Eye Blind’s 90’s rock hit “Semi-charmed Life.” The entire song uses a three-chord progression of G, D, and C. If you have access to the song, try paying along with it. Don’t worry too much about getting the rhythm right as it’s somewhat complex for a first song. Just try switching to the right chords in time with the music.
You’ll find that your fingers will get more agile every time your practice. And don’t worry about your aching fingertips. The more you play; the faster you’ll develop calluses.
Once you’ve gotten the hang of playing G, D, and C chords and switching between them, try your hand at some of the other standard chords such as E, A, and Bm. Congratulations, you are well on your way to teaching yourself guitar.
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