Guitar chords:
the basics to get started

What exactly is a chord?

You've probably sat in front of your guitar, stared at a diagram full of dots and crosses, and wondered where to begin. That's completely normal. We've all been there.

Here's the simplest definition in the world:

A chord is several notes played at the same time. On a guitar, that means pressing several strings simultaneously to create a rich, full sound — not just a single note, but a real song sound.

That's literally it. A chord isn't complicated in itself. What's hard at first is getting your fingers in the right position — and that's something you learn very quickly with a little consistency.

The good news? With just 3 chords, you can already play dozens of songs you know. With 5 or 6, you have access to hundreds. That's the beauty of the guitar: the return on investment is immediate.

Major or minor: what's the difference?

Before putting your fingers on the neck, there's just one thing to understand about chord types. No music theory needed — just your ear.

☀️ Major chord = sounds happy

Major chords have a bright, open, positive sound. When you hear a song that makes you want to sing along, there's a good chance the main chords are majors. C major, G major, D major — familiar sounds you've heard thousands of times.

🌙 Minor chord = sounds emotional

Minor chords have a darker, more intense, sometimes melancholic sound. They add depth to a song. It's not "sad" in a negative sense — it's expressive. Most rock, blues, and pop songs use a mix of both.

How to read a chord diagram in 2 minutes

Before you play, you just need to understand what you're looking at. A chord diagram shows your guitar neck from the front — as if you were holding it vertically in front of you.

• 📏 The vertical lines = your 6 strings (left to right: low E, A, D, G, B, high E)
• 📏 The horizontal lines = the frets (the spaces between the metal bars)
• ⚫ A coloured dot on a string = place your finger here and press the string
• 🔢 The number inside the dot = which finger to use (1 = index, 2 = middle, 3 = ring, 4 = pinky)
• ✕ A ✕ above a string = don't play this string, skip it with your pick
• ○ A ○ above a string = play this string open, without pressing it

The 6 essential chords for beginners

These 6 chords — known as open chords — are the starting point for almost every guitarist. They're easier to play than barre chords and sound great right away.

Start with Em. It's the simplest: two fingers, and all six strings ring out.

Why it sounds bad and how to fix it

As a beginner, it's almost inevitable: the chord sounds buzzy, muted, or some notes just don't ring. It's not your fault, and it's not a talent issue. It's simply a matter of technique — and it can be fixed in a few days.

🔍 The 3 most common causes

• Your finger is on the fret (the metal bar) instead of just behind it Place your finger just behind the fret, not on top of it. The note should ring cleanly. If it buzzes, move your finger closer to the fret.
• A finger is accidentally touching the neighbouring string The fix: curve your fingers as if you're holding an invisible tennis ball. Press with the fingertip, not the pad.
• You're not pressing hard enough In the first few weeks, your fingers haven't built up strength yet. That's normal — with practice, small calluses form and it gets easier and easier.

Play your first song today

The real obstacle when starting out isn't learning a chord in isolation. It's switching from one chord to another without losing the rhythm. Here's how to practise effectively, even if you only have 15 minutes.

1. Form the chord slowly, check each note Form Em, pluck each string one by one. Does each one ring clearly? Perfect. If not, fix it before moving on.
2. Form and release 10 times in a row Form the chord, strum, release completely. Repeat. The goal: your hand finds the position on its own, without you needing to look.
3. Alternate between two chords (e.g.: Em ↔ Am) 4 beats on Em, 4 beats on Am. Slowly at first. The transition between the two is the real exercise. Speed comes with consistency.
4. Play a backing track on YouTube Search "Em Am backing track guitar" — you'll find hundreds of free tracks. Playing along to music is 10× more motivating than playing in silence.
5. Find a 2–3 chord song and play it Nothing accelerates learning like playing a real song. Dozens of well-known songs use only Em, Am, and G. Look up the tabs online.