Easy Guitar Chords

This easy guitar chords lesson is complete. Everything you need to know to get started. Guitar lessons video included.

I'm assuming that you already have a decent guitar and it's in tune. If you are unsure, go to this beginner guitar lesson. It will discuss the important points to look for in a guitar. There are also links at the bottom of that page to other beginner guitar lessons such as how to hold a guitar and pick and how to tune your guitar.

Download Your Guitar Chord Charts Here.

Get Blank Chord Chart Sheets Here.

note: You'll need Adobe Reader (the latest version is recommended) installed on your computer in order to download these PDF files. You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download it without leaving this page).

Easy Guitar Chords: Tips

• Use the PADS of your fingers to press down on the strings, not the tips. The pads start from where the fingernail begins arching and goes all the way down to the cuticle. For our purposes of beginning guitar lessons, we'll use the pads closer to the tips. See the guitar lessons video for more.
• Press down on the strings with just a sliver of space between your finger and the fretwire.
• Check your posture. Sit straight but with shoulders relaxed. Elbows should be fairly close to your body. Wrists should be fairly straight. Even though everything is "straight," there should be some flexibility. Don't be too rigid. Be comfortable.
• The thumb of your left hand -- (right hand if you're a left-handed guitar player) --should be placed about the middle of the back of the guitar neck. It should be gently hyperextended as if you were hitchhiking.
• If the chords are still difficult, try using light gauge guitar strings. If it's still difficult, try using a capo at the 2nd or 3rd fret for a while.
• The most important thing is to stay patient, and to set-up a regular and consistent practice schedule.

How To Read The Easy Guitar Chords Charts

The easy guitar chords all have names that correspond to the names of the "full" chords that you will eventually play.

Using C major in the top left corner as our example, follow the list below in order to gain an understanding of how to read guitar chord charts. You DID download your guitar chord charts didn't you? if not, do so -- as it will help make this lesson quite worth your while :-)

• The vertical lines represent the guitar strings.
• The horizontal lines represent the frets. See the guitar lesson video for more.
• The "X" means do NOT hit that string.
• The "O" means that string is played open. Open means you are not pressing that string with one of your fingers -- but it is still played.
• The black circle with the number 1 inside means to press that string with your 1st finger. You press it at the 1st fret. See the guitar lessons video for more.

That's about it! It's quite simple, really. The guitar chord charts are basically a picture of the chord. Once you read them a few times you'll get the hang of it :-) The video will fill in any gaps.

How To Practice Easy Guitar Chords

If you can spend 4-5 days each week (or more) CONSISTENTLY practicing these guitar chords, you will definitely see results. Everyone grows at different rates. But if you stick with it, you will advance -- at a speed that works for you.

Use the following list as a guideline to help you practice guitar.

• Download the guitar chord charts and blank charts from the links at the top of this page.
• Choose 3 chords to practice for the week.
• Find them on your guitar. Once you find them, pick them and do your best to get all the strings ringing.
• if you can't get all the strings to ring, don't despair! This is common -- just do your best! Embrace the learning curve with a calm resolve :-)
• Choose one of the 3 chords and draw it on the blanks until you can do it by memory.
• Do this with all 3 chords until you have them memorized -- both on paper and on your guitar.
• Repeat the above procedure for 3 days.
• Now practice switching between chords. Practice switching back and forth in all combinations. Take your time and stay relaxed and focused as you do so.
• That's it! Practice switching them for the rest of the week. Choose 3 new chords the following week.
• If you follow these instructions, there's a very good chance that some of you will need to progress to "full" basic chords before you finish all the easy guitar chords. If that is the case, you'll know. How? They will be TOO easy :-) And you'll feel very drawn to the basic guitar chord charts.
• Don't force it, though! Learning guitar isn't a contest. It's an art that can enrich your experience of Life. Enjoy the process.

Further Reading and Study

• Basic Guitar Chord Charts and Beginner Lesson
• How To Hold Guitar and Pick
• How To Switch Guitar Chords

I hope this beginner guitar lesson on easy guitar chords was helpful. Thanks for tuning in and tuning up!

Dave

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