Lesson 6- Playing Your First Chords

Learn Guitar Chords

Generally speaking guitar chords are made up of two to three notes played at the same time. These notes come from guitar scales. Let’s take the major scale in the key of C for example. The notes would go in alphabetical order: C D E F G A B. So, if we wanted to make a C chord out of this scale? We would take the 1st (C) 3rd (E) 5th (G) to make up the C Major chord (see the example of the C Major Chord below). Now, there are thousands of way’s to build thousands of chords. This is just a general explanation to help you understand how chords are built. Let’s get into reading chord charts…..

Reading Chord Charts

Playing Your First Guitar Chords A, E & D

Essential Chords Pattern C, A, G, E & D + Em & Am

By GuitarLessons.com

It’s very important that you start playing chords that are fun! Here Brad explains why he teaches the following chords first. (A E D @ 2:40 in the video to the left). These chords are in many songs and can be played quite easily and it will help you to start playing guitar right away! Learn them & Play them over and over again until you have it down!

open A chord	open E chord
open D chord	open C chord
open G chord	open Em Chord
open Am chord	open Dm chord

Troubleshooting

Oftentimes a lot of beginners complain how sore their fingers are after finishing one session with their guitar, its a normal reaction. You should be surprised if you’re not hurting even a bit, this means that you’re not playing it right. The proper way to carry out fingering is pressing your fingertips hard enough on the strings. When you notice that there is a buzzing sound or the echo is not going the way it should sound, try to press harder on the strings.

Tips

1) Cut those long fingernails. They will make it difficult for you to press the strings correctly.

2) Don’t let your fingers lie down while playing for they tend to mute some strings. This is the most common mistake done by beginners.

3)Be sure that your fingertips are the ones that are in contact with the strings and not the place where fingerprints are taken. Maintain the straight arch. Aside from the fact that this is exhausting, this is also painful and difficult but will pay off as soon as calluses are produced.

4) Practice. Memorize each chord pattern.

To View The Chord Charts And See More Chords………

Go To: The Chord Library

John Sizemore

I've been playing and teaching guitar for over 20 years. I've found that the absolute beginner guitar player is the one that needs the most help to stay motivated. I'm here to help you! Here You Can Get A FREE Guitar Lesson Account From One Of The Best Instructors In The Business

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40 Comments

John Sizemore says:
December 26, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Hi Jenna,
That’s great! Just make sure you’re practicing each note clear. You’re doing great.
To keep your thumb from going too high over the top of the neck… You have to cock your wrist so that it’s almost at a 90 degree angle to the neck. Take a look at video #3 on this page at the 2:00 mark. Nate will show you how it’s done.
Are you saying you’re having pain in your wrist and fingers? Or, are you not? I’m a little confused with your question.
Jenna says:
December 26, 2011 at 8:02 pm
This was Very Help full, Already playing all the chords, ANd switching to different chords and Ive had my guitar a day.. (: I’m very accomplished Thank You, Thank You,Pretty excited! I hope someday i can play like my brother! He’s pretty amazing a it! my question is how the heck do i keep my thumb not going to high behind the neck! thats my only problem! no pain in mt wrist or fingers!
John Sizemore says:
December 26, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Hi Brynne!
That’s great! I’m glad to help! I really appreciate the feedback! Let me know if you need any help?
Brynne says:
December 26, 2011 at 1:00 pm
I just have one thing to say!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I am planning on teaching myself how to play guitar and I had trouble finding a good book or website that went through everything. I found your site and went over the lessons. Now I can play three chords! YAY! I am so grateful that you put so much effort into this site. I can’t thank you enough!! The videos are so informative and helpful. When I first looked over the fret board charts, I was so confused. But with a little help from this site (and my musician uncle) I understand it so much more! Again, thanks!!
John Sizemore says:
December 25, 2011 at 6:00 pm
Congratulations Cody on your first guitar! The guitar is awesome! Good luck and have fun!
Cody says:
December 25, 2011 at 4:14 pm
Hey, I just had to comment because I just got a new guitar for Christmas and I’ve always wanted to learn how to play. So, I found your website and can already play the 3 basic chords A,D and E – Granted it’s probably not too impressive to you, but I feel pretty awesome about it. XD My fingers are killing me, but I know people who play guitar and they said to power through the first month and then it gets insanely fun and your fingers don’t hurt anymore. I’ve gotta say, I’m excited for that. Haha
Anyway, Thanks a bunch to your instructors/website – they’re/it’s great.
~Cody
John Sizemore says:
December 4, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Hi Ariana,
You’re really not going to find free guitar lessons anywhere that will teach you everything you’ll need to know to be good. It’s just too much of hit and miss and could leave you confused.
My favorite online guitar lessons are Guitar Tricks. It’s $14.95/mo. By far the best deal on the internet. Here you can check them out with a 14 day free trial.
ariana says:
December 4, 2011 at 10:04 am
im still kinda beginer but i know how to play notes not chords tho. they r very hard for me. i hav short fingers so i cant really reach very good. i wanna b able to play really awesome songs but i need help i need more lessons, can u help me?
John Sizemore says:
November 10, 2011 at 10:46 am
Hi Muyiwa,
I think you’re reffering to Barre Chords? If that’s the case. You can learn them here: How To Play Barre Chords. They’re a lot tougher. However, if you learn the two shapes you can pretty much play any chord. Hope this helps?
MUYIWA says:
November 10, 2011 at 6:04 am
I PLAY THE GUITAR AVERAGELY WELL ALREADY AND DONT HAVE ISSUES HOLDING MY CHORDS BUT I WANT TO BE ABLE TO PLAY SONGS WITHOUT USING THE NECK CHORDS LIKE ROCK ARTISTES DO.