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The 8 Essential Guitar Chords for Beginners

With just eight open chords you can play thousands of songs. These shapes use open strings, so they are easier to press and they sound full even on an inexpensive guitar. Learn them in the order below, a few at a time.

Reading the finger positions

Each chord below is written from the thickest string (low E) to the thinnest (high E). A number is the fret to press, 0 is an open string and x means don't play that string. So x 3 2 0 1 0 means: skip the low E, 3rd fret on A, 2nd fret on D, open G, 1st fret on B and open high E.

Group 1: Em, G and C

Em is the easiest chord on the guitar: two fingers on the 2nd fret of the A and D strings, and all six strings ring. G and C are the two chords you will use in almost every song in the key of G or C.

Em   0 2 2 0 0 0
G    3 2 0 0 0 3
C    x 3 2 0 1 0

Group 2: D, A and E

D uses only the four thinnest strings, so be careful not to strum the low E and A. A puts three fingers side by side on the 2nd fret – if they don't fit, try pressing with the fingertips at a slight angle. E is the same shape as Em with one extra finger on the 1st fret of the G string.

D    x x 0 2 3 2
A    x 0 2 2 2 0
E    0 2 2 1 0 0

Group 3: Am and Dm

Am is the same shape as E moved one string higher. Dm is like D, but the finger on the high E string moves to the 1st fret. Together with C, G and Em, these minor chords let you play the most common pop progressions.

Am   x 0 2 2 1 0
Dm   x x 0 2 3 1

A two-week practice plan

  1. Days 1–3: Practise Em and G. Play each chord, check that every string rings, then switch between them 20 times slowly.
  2. Days 4–6: Add C. Practise G to C and C to G – this is the change you will use most.
  3. Days 7–9: Learn D and A. Practise G – D – Em – C, one of the most common progressions in pop.
  4. Days 10–12: Learn E, Am and Dm. Practise Am – Dm – E and C – Am – F (use Fmaj7 x x 3 2 1 0 until you learn the F barre chord).
  5. Days 13–14: Pick a song that uses only these chords and play it from start to finish, even if you have to slow it down.

Common problems

  • A string buzzes: press closer to the fret wire (not on top of it) and use the tips of your fingers.
  • A string sounds muted: another finger is probably touching it. Arch your fingers more and keep your wrist relaxed.
  • Changes are too slow: practise only the change, without strumming, 1 minute per pair of chords every day. Look for fingers that can stay in place between chords.
  • Fingertips hurt: this is normal during the first weeks. Practise 15–20 minutes a day instead of one long session.

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