How to Play Easy Guitar Chords

Intro

This mini guitar lesson will teach you how to play easy versions of four common chords. They are displayed in guitar tablature format with tips underneath. This means that you can get started playing through many popular songs.

Play all of the notes displayed on the guitar tab together, i.e. strum down the strings from the thickest string that you are required to play to the thinnest.

G Chord

This one's easy! Simply pop your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the thinnest E (1st) string. Make sure you use the tip of your finger so that you don't touch the B (2nd) string by mistake. The B string needs to be able to ring out as well.

C Chord

Make sure you fret the note with the tip of your 1st finger. Try not to touch the adjacent strings as you will be playing those open as well.

Em Chord

Just using the tip of your 2nd finger on the D (4th) string so that you don't touch the G (3rd) string below. Also, you can touch the A (5th) string lightly with your fretting-finger so that it doesn't ring out.

D Chord

Some people seem to get this chord straight away, while others struggle for a while first. If you can get comfortable with having your thumb behind your fingers, and curling your 3rd finger so that it only touches the B string, then you should be fine. The position of your hand will greatly affect the reach of your 3rd finger, so it's best to keep this in mind when getting comfortable with this chord.

It doesn't matter if your 1st and/or 2nd fingers are slightly touching the B string, as your 3rd finger is already playing it on a higher fret. This could help you to keep your 1st finger away from the D string if needs be.

Outro

There are, of course, many different great sounding chords and shapes that will be covered in one-to-one lessons. I will even teach you how to construct your own chords and understand chord structure. Contact me to get started, or take a look at some of the other topics we'll cover.

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