Guitar Chords

For many beginning musicians, the world of chords can seem like a mysterious labyrinth full of obscure symbols and complex finger combinations. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of chords, where each note will become your reliable companion on the way to musical perfection.

What is a chord?

Chords are combinations of three or more sounds played simultaneously. They form the basis of a piece of music, setting its harmonic structure and atmosphere. Chords can be made up of notes played on an instrument or sounds produced by the voice. In music, chords play a key role in helping to create a variety of melodies, harmonies and moods. Chords for beginners are a triad and nothing more.

What are the different types of chords?

There are several types of chords on the guitar, including:

1. Open chords: These are the most basic and commonly used chords on the guitar. They are played on open strings and usually involve 3 to 6 strings.
2. Barre chords: These chords are played using barre (finger pressure) across all or most of the strings on the same fret plane. They are often used to play chords at the high fret of the fingerboard.
3. Pentatonic chords: These chords use the pentatonic scale and are often used in improvisation and soloing.
4. Block chords: These are chords in which the sounds are split between multiple strings, creating a fuller and richer sound.
5. Added Note Chords: These chords contain additional notes added to the basic chord to change its sound or harmony.
6. Extended chords: These chords include more than three notes and can be more difficult to play, but they expand the harmonic possibilities of the music.

How to read chords?

1. Graphic diagram: A graphic diagram of a chord is a representation of the guitar fingerboard from above. The horizontal lines represent the strings and the vertical lines represent the frets. The black circles indicate where you should press the strings with your fingers, and the white circles indicate which strings should be played open.
2. Tablature is a special musical notation for guitar, where each string is indicated by its own line, and the numbers on the lines show at which fret the string should be pressed. A zero digit means that the string should be played open (without pressing the fret).

How do I pick chords?

Taking chords on the guitar takes some coordination and practice, especially for beginners. Here are the basic steps on how to pick up chords:

1. Proper hand and body position:
   • Sit or stand up straight, with a straight back.
   • The guitar fingerboard should be tilted slightly forward for comfort.
   • Your left hand (if you are right-handed) should hold the guitar’s fingerboard.
2. Proper finger position:
   • Place your left hand on the guitar’s fingerboard so that your fingers are perpendicular to the fret.
   • The fingers should be curved at the elbows and spread evenly on the fingerboard.
3. Place your fingers on the desired strings and fret:
   • Use the pads of your fingers to press the strings against the fret. Do not press your fingers too hard to avoid discomfort and an uneven sound.
   • Adjust your fingers so that they do not touch or drown out neighboring strings.
4. Check the sound of the chord:
   • Once you have your fingers on the correct fret and strings, check the sound of the chord by sounding each string in turn.
   • Make sure each string sounds clear and distinct.
5. Improving technique:
   • Start with simple chords and gradually move to more complex chords.
   • Practice regularly to improve your technique and strengthen your fingers.
6. Patience and persistence:
   • Taking chords takes time and patience. Don’t expect instant results, keep practicing and you will improve.

Easy guitar chords for beginners

For beginner musicians, it is recommended to start with simple open chords. These are basic chords that are played on the open strings of the guitar fingerboard and involve minimal fingering and fretting. Some of the most common open chords to start learning include C (C major), G (G major), D (D major), A (La major) and E (E major) chords.

Am (A minor)

The Am (A minor) chord is one of the most common minor chords. It creates a melancholy and emotional sound, and is often used in ballads and love songs. To play the Am chord on the guitar, you will need to press your finger on the 2nd fret on the G, D and A strings, with the other strings played open.

A (A Major)

The A (A Major) chord is a bright and energetic chord that adds optimism and joy to the music. To play it on the guitar, press your finger on the 2nd fret on the D, G, and B strings, and play the rest of the strings open.

D (D major)

The D (D major) chord is another one of the basic chords that adds brightness and joy to music. It is played by pressing your finger on the 2nd fret on the G, E, and B strings.

Dm (D minor)

The Dm (D minor) chord is a darker and sadder version of the D chord. It creates an intimate and melancholy atmosphere in music. To play Dm, press your finger on the 1st fret on the E and B strings and on the G string on the 2nd fret.

E (E major)

The E (E major) chord is a bright and energetic chord that is widely used in rock, pop, and blues music. To play E, press your finger on the 1st fret on the G string and on the 2nd fret on the A and D strings, with the other strings played open.

Em (E minor)

The Em (E minor) chord is a dark and melancholy version of the E chord. It is often used in ballads and love songs. To play Em, press your finger on the 2nd fret on the A and D strings, and play the rest of the strings open.

C (C major)

The C (C major) chord is a bright and optimistic chord that adds lightness and joy to music. To play C, press your finger on the 1st fret on the B string.

G (G major)

The G (G major) chord is one of the most common chords on the guitar. It creates a bright and energetic sound, and is often used in popular and rock music. To play G, press your finger on the 2nd fret on the A and E strings, and on the B string on the 3rd fret, with the other strings played open.

Popular songs with simple chords

There are numerous popular songs with simple chord progressions that are great for beginners to learn. Here are a few examples:

1. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
   Chords: Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4, Cadd9
   This iconic song features a simple chord progression that repeats throughout the song, making it great for practicing chord changes.
2. “Horse with No Name” by America
   Chords: Em, D6add9, A7sus4, Em/G, D6add9/F#
   Another classic with a straightforward chord progression that’s easy to pick up.
3. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
   Chords: C, G, Am, F, Em, Dm
   This timeless Beatles song features basic open chords and a memorable melody.
4. “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan
   Chords: G, D, Am7, C
   A simple yet powerful song with just a few basic chords.
5. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
   Chords: A, D, E
   This reggae classic features a simple chord progression and an uplifting message.
6. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
   Chords: C, F, G
   Another Bob Dylan favorite with a straightforward chord progression and thought-provoking lyrics.
7. “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train
   Chords: E, B, C#m, A
   A catchy pop song with a simple chord progression that’s fun to play.
8. “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
   Chords: G, Em, C, D
   This timeless classic features a simple chord progression and a memorable melody.

These songs are just a starting point, but they’re excellent choices for beginners due to their simplicity and popularity. As you become more comfortable with these chords, you can start exploring more complex songs and experimenting with different strumming patterns and techniques.

Conclusion

In this article, we have covered the basic chords on the guitar. Learning these chords is an important step towards musical mastery. They not only help you play your favorite songs, but also develop your understanding of harmony and accompaniment.
But remember, music is more than just a set of chords. It is an expression of feelings, stories and emotions through sounds and melodies. Practice with passion, listen carefully and experiment with new ideas.