This lesson will teach you the most important basic open chords. You will soon find out that a few simple chords can go a long way.
A chord is 3 or more notes sounded simultaneously. An open chord is a chord that has an open string in it.
This first chord is a D. The way you make your chords is very important and will affect how smooth your transition from chord to chord is.
On the open D chord, start with your first finger, then second, then finally the third. When you get comfortable with this chord,
you'll notice that if you pick the open D string while you are making the rest of the chord, your chord transitions
will be smoother.
With your pick, strum the chord below, making sure each note rings out clean and clear.(The O on the D string means to let that string ring out with the chord.)
Open D
Now, just move your first finger to the 4th (D) string and your second finger to the 2nd (B) string. This
is an open A7 chord. (The X means don't play that string.)
Open A7
When you get the hang of these two chords, strum them evenly 4 times each.
Make sure your tempo stays the
same - even and steady.
The trick to getting these chords down and making them sound smooth is to make the chord
properly and play as you are making the chord. If you go slow at first, then gradually speed up, it will come.
Below are some of the most important open chords grouped by key (chords that go together). Practice them in the groups, like you did the D and A7 chords. When you start learning to strum
songs, you will learn to anticipate which chords you will be using in any given song. This will also help develop your ear and will make it much easier to learn or write songs.
Key Of G
Open G |
Open C |
Open D |
Open Em |
Tip: While you are learning your chords, a good rule to stick with (MOST of the time, not always) is to make your chords
from the lowest sounding note first. For example, when practicing the above series of chords, make the open G chord by placing your second
finger on the 6th string 3rd fret. Next place your first finger, then finally, your third finger (since it is on the highest sounding string).
Now, make the open C chord by placing your third finger on the 5th string 3rd fret, follow with the second finger, then your first. Later, you
will see how easy this is and won't have to worry about your songs sounding "choppy" because of the pause in between while making chords.
Key Of D
Tip: Remember, when changing from the open D chord to the open G, start making your G chord by putting your second finger on the 6th string 3rd fret.
Key Of C
Open C |
Open F |
Open G7 |
Open Am |
Note: The F chord above may not sound that great because of the open 5th string (A).
Without this note, there is no way to finger an "open" F chord (in standard tuning).
This chord is not generally used in this context and the low A note is most often omitted (since it is a duplicate note).
Key Of A
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