The guitar, with its rich and versatile sound, has been a beloved musical instrument for centuries. Whether you’re strumming around a campfire, serenading an audience on stage, or simply enjoying some solo practice at home, understanding guitar chords is fundamental. Chords are the building blocks of music on the guitar, allowing you to create harmonious progressions that form the basis of countless songs across all genres.
In the world of guitar playing, there are certain chords that are used extremely frequently. These common chords serve as the starting point for beginners and remain an essential part of the toolkit for even the most experienced guitarists. By mastering these chords, you open the door to playing a vast repertoire of music, from simple folk tunes to complex rock anthems. In this article, we will explore eight of the most common guitar chords, examining their structure, how to play them, and their significance in music.
The G Chord
Structure
The G chord is a major chord. In music theory, a major chord is composed of the root note, the major third, and the perfect fifth. For the G chord, the root note is G, the major third is B, and the perfect fifth is D. When played on the guitar, these notes are arranged in a specific fret and string combination to produce the characteristic sound of the G chord.
Fingering
To play a basic open G chord on a standard six-string guitar: Place your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string (A string). Your middle finger goes on the second fret of the sixth string (E string). The ring finger is positioned on the third fret of the first string (high E string). When strumming, make sure to avoid hitting the fourth and third strings if you want to play the pure G chord sound as described by the triad. However, in many strumming patterns, including these strings can add a fullness to the sound.
The G chord has a bright, open sound. It is often used in songs with a positive, uplifting feel. In many pop and rock songs, the G chord can be found in the chorus, providing a sense of resolution and stability. For example, in the song “Wonderwall” by Oasis, the G chord is a crucial part of the chord progression, contributing to the song’s anthemic quality.
The C Chord
Structure
The C chord is also a major chord. Its components are the root note C, the major third E, and the perfect fifth G. This combination of notes gives the C chord its distinct sound.
Fingering
For the open C chord: Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string (B string).The middle finger goes on the second fret of the fourth string (D string). Your ring finger is positioned on the third fret of the fifth string (A string). When strumming, aim to play all six strings. The open strings (the sixth, third, second, and first) contribute to the full sound of the C chord.
The C chord has a warm and stable sound. It is one of the most basic chords to learn and is commonly used in children’s songs, folk music, and many pop ballads. In a song like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” the C chord forms the backbone of the simple chord progression, making it accessible for beginners to play.
The D Chord
Structure
The D chord is a major chord consisting of the root note D, the major third F#, and the perfect fifth A. This combination creates a bright and energetic sound.
Fingering
To play an open D chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the third string (G string). The middle finger goes on the second fret of the first string (high E string). Your ring finger is positioned on the third fret of the second string (B string). When strumming, typically the four highest strings (the first, second, third, and fourth) are played. Strumming all six strings can also be done, but the lower strings may need to be muted slightly to avoid a muddy sound.
The D chord is a staple in many musical styles. In country music, for example, the D chord is frequently used in combination with other common chords like G and C. It adds a sense of movement and forward momentum to a song. A classic country song like “Jolene” by Dolly Parton features the D chord prominently in its chord progression.
The A Chord
Structure
The A chord is a major chord made up of the root note A, the major third C#, and the perfect fifth E. This gives the A chord its characteristic sound.
Fingering
For the open A chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the fourth string (D string). The middle finger goes on the second fret of the third string (G string). Your ring finger is positioned on the second fret of the second string (B string). When strumming, you can play all six strings. However, sometimes, especially in more complex arrangements, the low E string may be muted to emphasize the higher – pitched notes of the A chord.
The A chord has a bright and ringing sound. It is commonly used in rock, pop, and folk music. In a song like “Hotel California” by Eagles, the A chord is an important part of the intro and throughout the song, contributing to the laid – back yet captivating atmosphere.
The E Chord
Structure
The E chord is a major chord with the root note E, the major third G#, and the perfect fifth B. This combination results in a powerful and full – sounding chord.
Fingering
To play an open E chord: Place your index finger on the first fret of the third string (G string). The middle finger goes on the second fret of the fifth string (A string). Your ring finger is positioned on the second fret of the fourth string (D string). When strumming, play all six strings. The open E string (the lowest string) and the open high E string add to the characteristic sound of the E chord.
The E chord is extremely common in rock music. Bands like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC use the E chord extensively in their riffs and chord progressions. It has a driving and energetic quality that can make a song immediately recognizable. For example, in “Back in Black” by AC/DC, the E chord is a central part of the iconic opening riff.
The Am Chord
Structure
The Am chord is a minor chord. A minor chord is composed of the root note, the minor third, and the perfect fifth. For the Am chord, the root note is A, the minor third is C, and the perfect fifth is E. The difference between a major and a minor chord lies in the third note; a major third in a major chord and a minor third in a minor chord. This gives minor chords a more melancholic or somber tone.
Fingering
To play an open Am chord: Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string (B string). The middle finger goes on the second fret of the fourth string (D string). Your ring finger is positioned on the third fret of the fifth string (A string). When strumming, you can play all six strings. The open strings (the sixth, third, second, and first) contribute to the overall sound of the Am chord.
The Am chord is widely used in music to convey a range of emotions. In many ballads and slow-tempo songs, the Am chord can create a sense of sadness or introspection. In a song like “Let It Be” by The Beatles, the Am chord is used in the chord progression, adding to the song’s emotional depth.
The Em Chord
Structure
The Em chord is a minor chord with the root note E, the minor third G, and the perfect fifth B. This combination gives the Em chord its soft and somewhat plaintive sound.
Fingering
To play an open Em chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the third string (G string). The middle finger goes on the second fret of the fifth string (A string). When strumming, play all six strings. The open strings (the sixth, fourth, third, second, and first) contribute to the characteristic sound of the Em chord.
The Em chord is very common in folk and acoustic music. It has a gentle quality that can add a touch of sweetness or a hint of melancholy to a song. In a song like “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas, the Em chord is used throughout the song, enhancing its delicate and introspective mood.
The Bm Chord
Structure
The Bm chord is a minor chord. It consists of the root note B, the minor third D, and the perfect fifth F#. This combination creates a rich and full – sounding minor chord.
Fingering
To play a standard open Bm chord: Place your index finger across all six strings at the second fret (this is called a barre chord). The middle finger goes on the fourth fret of the fourth string (D string). Your ring finger is positioned on the fourth fret of the third string (G string). The little finger is placed on the fourth fret of the second string (B string). Barre chords like the Bm can be challenging for beginners as they require good finger strength and coordination. When strumming, make sure all the strings are sounding clearly, which may take some practice.
The Bm chord is used in a variety of musical styles, from pop to rock. In a song like “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, the Bm chord is part of the chord progression, adding a bit of complexity and depth to the otherwise relatively simple pop song structure.
Conclusion
These eight common guitar chords-G, C, D, A, E, Am, Em, and Bm – are the foundation of countless songs. They offer a wide range of sounds, from the bright and energetic major chords to the more melancholic minor chords. By mastering the structure, fingering, and sound of these chords, guitarists can begin to explore a vast array of musical styles and start creating their own chord progressions. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out on your guitar – playing journey or an experienced player looking to refresh your knowledge, these common chords will always be an essential part of your musical vocabulary. With practice, you’ll be able to smoothly transition between these chords, strum or pick them with confidence, and bring the music in your head to life on the strings of your guitar.
