Beginner Guitar Chords: 12 Chords (Easiest, Basic)

Welcome to the world of guitar playing!

As a beginner, it can be overwhelming to learn all the guitar chords at once.

But don’t worry, in this blog post, I’ll show you 12 must-know beginner guitar chords that will help you play a variety of songs.

These guitar chords for beginners are basic and easiest to be used, so once you master them, you’ll be on your way to playing your favorite tunes.

We’ll start with the easiest guitar chords and gradually move to more challenging ones.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid foundation of chords to build upon and continue your guitar journey.

So grab your guitar, and let’s get started!

Go here if you’re looking for the best electric guitars or the best acoustic guitars.

Table Of Contents show

Guitar Chord Diagram

A guitar chord diagram is a visual representation of a chord’s finger placement on the guitar fretboard. The diagram is made up of six horizontal lines that represent the guitar’s strings, and six vertical lines that represent the frets.

The dots on the diagram indicate where you should place your fingers to play the chord. Each dot represents a finger, and the number inside the dot indicates which finger to use. For example, “1” represents the index finger, “2” the middle finger, and “3” the ring finger.

In addition to the finger placement, there are also markings on the diagram that indicate whether or not to play a particular string. An “X” above a string means that you should not play that string, while an “O” means that the string should be played open (without any fingers pressing down on the frets).

Overall, chord diagrams are a useful tool for beginner guitarists to learn how to play chords. By studying and practicing these diagrams, you can develop your finger strength, dexterity, and overall playing ability.

Basic Guitar Chords

Power Chords

Power chords are commonly used in rock and metal music and are a staple for many guitarists. They are easy to play and produce a powerful sound with just two or three notes.

To play a power chord, follow these steps:

Choose a note to start with, typically the root note of the chord.
Place your first finger on the fret where the root note is located on the low E or A string.
Place your third or fourth finger (depending on your preference) on the same fret, but on the string one string higher than the first finger.
Optionally, add your second finger on the same fret as the other two, but on the string between them.

For example, to play a G power chord, place your first finger on the third fret of the low E string and your third finger on the fifth fret of the A string. Strum only those two strings.

Another variation of a power chord is the two-string power chord. To play this, follow the same steps but only play the two lowest strings, the low E and A strings.

Power chords are moveable shapes, which means that you can play them in any position on the guitar fretboard. By learning power chords, you’ll be able to play many popular rock and metal songs, and develop your playing technique.

Open Chords

Open chords are chords that use at least one open string (a string that is not fretted). These chords are commonly used in various styles of music, and many famous songs have been written using open chords. Here are some of the most common open chords:

C major: Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all six strings.
A minor: Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, and strum all six strings.
G major: Place your second finger on the third fret of the low E string, your third finger on the third fret of the high E string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
E minor: Place your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and strum all six strings.
D major: Place your first finger on the second fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
E major: Place your first finger on the first fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your third finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.
A major: Place your first finger on the second fret of the D string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the second fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.

Learning open chords is an essential part of playing the guitar, as they are the building blocks for many songs and chord progressions. By practicing these chords, you’ll build up your finger strength, improve your dexterity, and develop a solid foundation for your guitar playing.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are chords in which a single finger is used to press down multiple strings across the guitar’s fretboard. Barre chords are movable shapes, which means that they can be moved up and down the fretboard to create different chords.

To play a basic barre chord, follow these steps:

Choose a chord to play, such as an F major chord.
Place your index finger across all of the strings at a specific fret, using enough pressure to ensure that all of the strings are held down.
Use your other fingers to form the rest of the chord shape.

For example, to play an F major chord, place your index finger across all six strings on the first fret, then use your second finger to play the second fret of the G string, your third finger to play the third fret of the A string, and your fourth finger to play the third fret of the D string.

Barre chords can be difficult to play at first, but with practice, your finger strength and dexterity will improve. Once you learn the basic shapes for barre chords, you can move them up and down the fretboard to play many different chords. Barre chords are used in a wide range of musical genres, including rock, pop, and blues, and are an important tool for any guitar player to have in their repertoire.

12 Beginner Guitar Chords

Here is an explanation of the chord diagrams and fingerings for the 12 beginner guitar chords:

E minor (Em): Place your second finger on the second fret of the A string. Strum all six strings.
E major (E): Place your first finger on the first fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your third finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.
A minor (Am): Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, and strum all six strings.
C major (C): Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all six strings.
A major (A): Place your first finger on the second fret of the D string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the second fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
G major (G): Place your second finger on the third fret of the low E string, your third finger on the third fret of the high E string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
D major (D): Place your first finger on the second fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
D minor (Dm): Place your first finger on the first fret of the high E string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
E7: Place your first finger on the first fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
D7: Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the third fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings.
A7: Place your first finger on the second fret of the D string, your second finger on the second fret of the B string, and your third finger on the second fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings.
C7: Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the A string. Lift your second finger off the D string to play a C7 chord. Strum all six strings.

With regular practice, you’ll soon become comfortable playing these beginner guitar chords and be able to incorporate them into your playing. Good luck!

Popular Song Chords

Learning beginner guitar chords is a great way to start playing your favorite songs on the guitar. Here are some popular songs that use beginner guitar chords:

“Hey Jude” by The Beatles – C, G, Am, F
“Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber – C, G, Am, F
“Country Roads” by John Denver – G, D, Em, C
“Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty – D, A, G
“Wonderwall” by Oasis – Em7, G, Dsus4, A7sus4
“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan – G, D, Am
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz – G, D, Em, C
“Stand by Me” by Ben E. King – G, Em, C, D
“Brown Eyed Girl” by Van Morrison – G, C, D
“Horse with No Name” by America – Em7, D6/9, Am7

By practicing these beginner guitar chords and playing along with these popular songs, you’ll be able to develop your guitar playing skills and have fun playing your favorite tunes.

When To Use Power Chords vs Open Chords vs Barre Chords?

The decision of whether to use power chords, open chords, or barre chords when playing the guitar depends on several factors, including the style of music, the specific song, and personal preference.

Here are some general guidelines for when to use each type of chord:

Power chords: Power chords are commonly used in rock, punk, and metal music. They are often played using distortion or overdrive effects to create a heavier sound. Power chords are great for fast-paced songs with lots of distortion and can be played using only two or three fingers.
Open chords: Open chords are typically used in folk, country, and pop music. They create a fuller, more open sound and are often used in slower songs or ballads. Open chords are a great choice for beginners because they are easy to learn and can be played using a few fingers.
Barre chords: Barre chords are versatile chords that can be used in a wide variety of styles. They are often used in rock, pop, and blues music and can be moved up and down the fretboard to play different chords. Barre chords are a bit more challenging to play than open chords or power chords, but they offer more variety and flexibility.

Ultimately, the decision of which type of chord to use depends on the song and your personal playing style. Experiment with different chords and see what sounds best for the specific song you’re playing.

What are the 3 easiest guitar chords?

The three easiest guitar chords for beginners are:

G major: This chord is played by placing your second finger on the third fret of the low E string, your third finger on the third fret of the high E string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
C major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all six strings.
D major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the second fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.

What are the 5 basic guitar chords?

The five basic guitar chords that every beginner should learn are:

A major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the second fret of the D string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the second fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
C major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all six strings.
D major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the second fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
E major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your third finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.
G major: This chord is played by placing your second finger on the third fret of the low E string, your third finger on the third fret of the high E string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.

What chords should a beginner learn first on guitar?

As a beginner, it’s important to start with the basic chords that will help you develop your finger strength and dexterity. Here are a few chords that every beginner should learn first:

A major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the second fret of the D string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the second fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
D major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the second fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your third finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
E major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the G string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your third finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.
G major: This chord is played by placing your second finger on the third fret of the low E string, your third finger on the third fret of the high E string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
C major: This chord is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all six strings.

By practicing these basic chords regularly, you’ll develop your finger strength and dexterity, and be well on your way to playing your favorite songs. Once you become comfortable with these chords, you can start to learn more complex chords and progressions.

What is the hardest beginner chord?

The difficulty of playing chords can vary from person to person, as it depends on individual finger strength, flexibility, and experience. However, there are some chords that beginners generally find more challenging than others.

One of the hardest beginner chords for many guitarists is the F chord. This chord is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the third fret of the D string. The difficulty of this chord is due to the stretch required between the first and second fingers, as well as the strength needed to hold down all three strings.

Another challenging beginner chord is the B chord, which is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the A string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, your third finger on the third fret of the G string, and your fourth finger on the fourth fret of the B string. This chord can be difficult because it requires holding down four strings with four fingers, and the stretch can be challenging for some players.

However, with practice and patience, even the hardest beginner chords can be mastered. Start by practicing the chords slowly and gradually building up speed as you become more comfortable with the finger positions.

What is the easiest first guitar chord?

The easiest first guitar chord for most beginners is the E minor (Em) chord. This chord is played by placing your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and strumming all six strings. It is a simple chord that requires only one finger, making it a great starting point for beginners.

The Em chord is also commonly used in many popular songs, making it a useful chord to learn early on. By practicing this chord regularly, you’ll develop finger strength and dexterity, and be well on your way to learning more complex chords and songs.

What is the hardest chord to learn on guitar?

The hardest chord to learn on guitar can vary from player to player, as it depends on individual finger strength, flexibility, and experience. However, there are some chords that are generally considered more difficult to play than others.

One of the most challenging chords for many guitarists is the F chord. This chord is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the B string, your second finger on the second fret of the G string, and your third finger on the third fret of the D string. The difficulty of this chord is due to the stretch required between the first and second fingers, as well as the strength needed to hold down all three strings.

The B chord is also considered a difficult chord for beginners, as it requires holding down four strings with four fingers, and the stretch can be challenging for some players. This chord is played by placing your first finger on the first fret of the A string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, your third finger on the third fret of the G string, and your fourth finger on the fourth fret of the B string.

However, with practice and patience, even the hardest chords can be mastered. Start by practicing the chords slowly and gradually building up speed as you become more comfortable with the finger positions. It’s important to not get discouraged and to keep practicing, as learning difficult chords can greatly improve your playing abilities.

How do you memorize basic guitar chords?

Memorizing basic guitar chords can be challenging at first, but with consistent practice and repetition, it becomes easier over time. Here are some tips to help you memorize basic guitar chords:

Practice regularly: Set aside some time each day to practice chords. Consistent practice will help you build muscle memory and improve your finger strength and dexterity.
Visualize the chord shapes: When you’re not playing, visualize the chord shapes in your mind. This will help you remember the finger positions and make it easier to transition between chords.
Say the chord names out loud: As you practice each chord, say the name of the chord out loud. This will help you associate the sound of the chord with the finger position.
Use mnemonic devices: Mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or catchy phrases, can help you remember the names of chords. For example, you might use the phrase “Eddie Ate Dynamite, Good Bye Eddie” to remember the order of the strings on a guitar.
Practice chord progressions: Practice playing chord progressions, such as the I-IV-V progression, using the chords you’ve learned. This will help you memorize the chords in the context of actual music.
Use chord charts: Refer to chord charts as you practice to help you remember the finger positions and chord names.

Remember, it takes time and practice to memorize basic guitar chords. Be patient with yourself and keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to play your favorite songs with ease.

How many total chords are there in guitar?

There are thousands of chords that can be played on a guitar, but most guitarists focus on learning and playing a few hundred chords that are commonly used in popular music.

There are five basic chord types: major, minor, dominant seventh, diminished, and augmented. Each type of chord can be played in multiple positions on the guitar neck, with different fingerings and voicings.

While it’s impossible to determine an exact number of total chords on the guitar, some sources estimate that there are over 5,000 chords that can be played on a standard-tuned six-string guitar. However, most guitarists don’t need to learn all of these chords to play their favorite songs. By learning a few hundred commonly used chords and practicing them regularly, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient guitarist.

What is the easiest song to play on guitar?

The easiest song to play on guitar can vary depending on your skill level and the type of music you’re interested in. However, here are a few popular songs that are generally considered easy for beginners to play:

“Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan – This song uses only four chords: G, D, Am, and C. It has a simple strumming pattern and is a great song for practicing chord changes.
“Wonderwall” by Oasis – This song uses four chords: Em7, G, Dsus4, and A7sus4. The chord progression is repeated throughout the song, and the strumming pattern is easy to master.
“House of the Rising Sun” – This traditional folk song uses only four chords: Am, C, D, and F. The strumming pattern is simple and repetitive, making it easy for beginners to learn.
“Horse with No Name” by America – This song uses three chords: Em7, D6/9, and Am7. The strumming pattern is straightforward and easy to learn, and the chords are played in a repeating pattern throughout the song.
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz – This song uses four chords: G, D, Em, and C. The strumming pattern is simple and the chords are played in a repeating pattern throughout the song.

These are just a few examples of easy songs for beginners to play on guitar. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to master these songs and move on to more complex songs and chords.

What are the 3 chords in every song?

While not every song has the same chords, there are three chords that are commonly used in many popular songs. These chords are:

I – IV – V: This chord progression consists of the first, fourth, and fifth chords in a major scale. For example, in the key of G, the I-IV-V progression would be G-C-D. This chord progression is used in countless pop, rock, and country songs.
I – vi – IV – V: This chord progression consists of the first, sixth, fourth, and fifth chords in a major scale. For example, in the key of C, the I-vi-IV-V progression would be C-Am-F-G. This chord progression is commonly used in ballads and slower songs.
ii – V – I: This chord progression consists of the second, fifth, and first chords in a major scale. For example, in the key of C, the ii-V-I progression would be Dm7-G7-Cmaj7. This chord progression is commonly used in jazz and other styles of music.

While these chord progressions are common in many songs, not all songs use them, and some songs use more complex chord progressions. However, by learning these basic chord progressions, you’ll have a good foundation for playing many popular songs.

What is the most played chord in music?

It’s difficult to determine the most played chord in music, as the popularity of chords can vary depending on the genre and era of music. However, some chords are more commonly used than others, and one chord that appears frequently in many styles of music is the G chord.

The G chord is a major chord that is played by placing your second finger on the third fret of the low E string, your third finger on the third fret of the high E string, and your fourth finger on the third fret of the B string. This chord is commonly used in rock, country, and pop music, and is often one of the first chords that beginners learn to play.

While the G chord is popular, it’s important to note that many other chords are used frequently in music, and it’s valuable for guitarists to learn a variety of chords in order to play a wide range of songs and styles.

How many guitar chords do you need?

As a beginner, you can get started with just a handful of guitar chords, but as you progress, you’ll want to learn more chords in order to play a wider variety of songs and styles.

There is no set number of chords that you “need” to know, as it depends on your musical goals and the type of music you want to play. However, most guitarists learn several hundred chords, with a focus on the most commonly used chords in popular music.

In addition to learning basic chords such as major, minor, and seventh chords, it’s also important to learn more complex chords such as extended chords and altered chords. By learning a variety of chords, you’ll be able to play a wider range of songs and create more interesting chord progressions in your own music.

Ultimately, the number of chords you need to know depends on your individual musical goals and interests. By practicing regularly and gradually learning new chords, you’ll continue to grow as a guitarist and be able to play more complex and challenging music.

What is the easiest guitar to play chords on?

The easiest guitar to play chords on depends on a few different factors, including the size and shape of the guitar, the type of strings used, and the overall playability of the instrument.

For beginners, it’s often recommended to start with an acoustic guitar with a comfortable neck and low action, which refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. A guitar with low action and a comfortable neck will make it easier to fret chords and play with less finger fatigue.

In terms of specific guitar models, many beginners find that smaller-sized guitars, such as parlor or travel-sized guitars, are easier to play chords on because they have a smaller body size that is more comfortable to hold and play. Nylon-stringed classical guitars can also be easier for beginners to play chords on, as they have wider fretboards and lower string tension, making it easier to press down the strings.

Ultimately, the easiest guitar to play chords on is one that feels comfortable and natural in your hands. It’s important to try out different guitars and find one that suits your individual playing style and preferences.

What is the forbidden chord in music?

There is no such thing as a “forbidden chord” in music. All chords and musical sounds are allowed and can be used creatively in music.

However, certain chords or chord progressions may be perceived as unusual or dissonant in some musical contexts, and may require careful consideration when used in composition or improvisation. These chords and progressions can be used creatively and effectively, but they should be used with a sense of musical context and purpose.

In some cases, certain chords or progressions may be avoided in specific musical genres or styles, but this is usually a matter of convention or tradition rather than a strict rule. Ultimately, the creative possibilities in music are endless, and all chords and sounds can be used to create unique and interesting musical expressions.

What is the most annoying chord on guitar?

There is no one “most annoying” chord on guitar, as the perception of a chord’s sound is subjective and varies from person to person. However, some chords are commonly considered to be dissonant or harsh-sounding, and may be used sparingly or avoided altogether in certain musical contexts.

One example of a dissonant chord is the tritone, also known as the “devil’s interval,” which is an interval of three whole steps between two notes. The tritone has a dissonant and unstable sound, and is often used in music to create tension and dissonance.

Other chords that may be perceived as annoying or unpleasant are those that contain a lot of dissonance, such as diminished and augmented chords. These chords have a unique and distinctive sound, but may be considered harsh or difficult to listen to for some people.

Ultimately, the perception of a chord’s sound is subjective and depends on personal taste and musical context. What one person finds annoying or unpleasant, another person may find interesting or compelling.

What is the happiest chord?

The happiest chord, or the most joyful-sounding chord, is subjective and varies from person to person. However, one chord that is commonly associated with happiness and positivity is the major chord.

Major chords are often used in upbeat and cheerful songs, as they have a bright and optimistic sound. For example, the C major chord has a simple and joyful sound that is often used in pop and rock music.

In addition to major chords, certain chord progressions can also create a sense of happiness and joyfulness. The I-IV-V chord progression, for example, is a simple and uplifting progression that is commonly used in many popular songs.

Ultimately, the emotional impact of chords and chord progressions is highly subjective and dependent on individual interpretation and context. What one person finds happy and joyful, another person may find sad or melancholic.

What is the most liked chord?

It is difficult to determine which chord is the most liked, as personal musical tastes can vary widely. However, certain chords are commonly considered to be pleasing or beautiful-sounding by many people.

One chord that is often cited as a favorite among guitarists and music lovers is the G major chord. This chord has a bright and cheerful sound that is often used in pop, rock, and country music, and is relatively easy to play on the guitar.

Other chords that are commonly cited as beautiful or pleasing include the A minor chord, which has a gentle and melancholic sound, and the C major chord, which has a simple and bright sound that is often associated with joy and positivity.

Ultimately, the perception of a chord’s sound is subjective and depends on individual musical tastes and preferences. Different chords can evoke different emotions and moods, and the beauty of music is that there is no one “right” or “best” chord – it’s all about personal interpretation and expression.

Final Thoughts On Beginner Guitar Chords for Acoustic, Electric

Learning beginner guitar chords is an essential part of becoming a proficient guitarist. By mastering the basic chords, you’ll be able to play a wide variety of songs and begin to develop your own style and musical voice.

Remember that learning guitar chords takes time and practice, but with patience and dedication, you can make steady progress and become a skilled musician. In addition to practicing chord fingerings and transitions, it’s important to focus on proper technique, such as hand position and posture, in order to avoid injury and improve your playing.

As you progress on your guitar journey, continue to expand your chord vocabulary and explore different styles of music. The more chords you know and the more comfortable you become with them, the more creative and expressive you’ll be able to be with your playing.

Above all, enjoy the process of learning guitar chords and playing music. Whether you’re strumming along to your favorite songs or creating your own melodies, playing guitar is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can bring joy and inspiration to your life.

Related Posts: