Guitar Chords Lessons

Right, onto the detail of learning guitar chords through guitar chords lessons. Take a look at the guitar neck diagram below. This will give detail of the fret board to help with an understanding of where you will need to place your fingers once you see the depiction of each chord.

Frets

The guitar neck is separated into frets all of which make up the fret board. Most guitars have around 20 frets with 6 strings. For the moment you will need to focus on the first four frets, also known as the first position.

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The first position is the point for all of the basic major chords. Note that each fret is numbered starting at 1 at the head of the guitar. Remember this as this is the starting point for guitar chords lessons.

Note that each string is numbered. When the guitar is held in the casual playing position, the first string is at the bottom and the sixth string is at the top.

Also take note of ‘Tuning’ at the bottom of the diagram of the guitar above. Tuning relates to the notes that the guitar strings are tuned to. Tuning has been covered previously – ensure your guitar is tuned to an open E tuning which is the most common tuning.

Guitar Chords Lessons: Chords – The Detail

Right, in these guitar chords lessons we’re now going to progress onto the specific detail of major chords. Many different chords are used to make riffs or progressions that are the basis for songs forming the rhythm. The principals are simple so for the moment let’s take things one step at a time.

A chord is generally defined as a mixture of three or more notes played together simultaneously. To give a better idea we’ll make use of chord diagrams. Chord diagrams clearly illustrate how a chord is formed. Due to the fact that they depict the neck or fret board of the guitar they are simple to use during guitar chords lessons as it provides a graphic illustration of the chord formation.

Symbols for finger placement are inserted into the chord diagram to show where to place your fingers on the fret board. To make it clear where each finger is positioned each finger is numbered. This then correlates to the chord diagram to illustrate where each specific finger presses down on a string at a specific fret. See the diagram below for details of finger numbering.

 
The A major chord is a good place to start.

Guitar Chords Lessons: A Major Chord - Chord Diagram

The A major chord makes use of fingers 1, 2, and 3. Take note of the placement of each of the fingers to understand the correct way to form the chord.
 
Remember previously I mentioned that chords are formed with a combination of three notes played together - the A major chord is made up of notes A, C# and E.

Within the diagram you’ll notice a red dot on the sixth string. This indicates that this string should not be strummed when playing this chord. The remainder of the strings are strummed.

Below is a photo to illustrate how the A major chord is formed with the correct finger positioning.

Guitar Chords Lessons: Playing the A Major Chord

Following the picture, position your fingers ensuring that all fingertips are directly behind the fret. Remember that you don’t have to use excessive force. Next, with your strumming hand, let the pick move slowly down over the strings. The sound produced should not buzz or be muted. If this happens your fingers are not firmly depressing the strings behind the fret.

Take a listen to this audio clip to get an idea of what the chord sounds like.

Hopefully you're up to speed with chord diagrams. Now let's take a look at strumming.

Guitar Chords Lessons: Strumming

The next part of the lesson relating to playing chords involves strumming.

Strumming involves timing to create a rhythm. In short, when you strum the guitar strings this is done in either a down stroke or an up stroke:

Use your strumming hand (right hand if you are right handed) to drag the pick down over the strings just in front of the bridge of the guitar ensuring that you play all the strings indicated in the chord diagram. The direction of the stroke is indicated in the diagram as depicted by symbols above.

Guitar Chords Lessons: Strumming the A Major Chord

Form the A major chord as per the photo, again making sure that all fingertips are directly behind the fret. Use your strumming hand to drag the pick down over the strings, ensuring the strings produce a clear sound. Once you are happy that you have the chord formed correctly start to strum in a rhythm with down strokes. Count out loud to ensure you have timing.

It is a good idea to get yourself a metronome to start practicing a good rhythm. A metronome is a device that produces an even beat so that timing is maintained. I personally use the metronome tool that is included with the Learn Guitar course Jamorama – it’s a lot easier to use and more convenient.

Right, hopefully you’ve got it. Carry on practicing this chord over and over until you build up your confidence. Remember to start the strum from the fifth string downwards, avoiding the sixth.

The A major chord is one of the most simple chords and is the best place to start. Once you feel you have conquered it, along with getting down the basics of strumming, start with the next major chords.

Guitar Chords Lessons: Major Chords

Your confidence is up and you’ve now mastered the A major chord. Using the same approach, take a look at the following major chords and have a go. I strongly recommend that you get yourself a proper course to extend your chord vocabulary as well as improve your technique. I recommend Jamorama which is very comprehensive and provides really in depth video lessons – a good tool for someone just starting to play to guitar as well as covering areas for more experienced players. Jamorama will also provide extensive coverage of various other chords.