How to read a guitar chord chart
A chord chart (also called a chord diagram) is a picture of the fretboard standing upright, as if the guitar were hanging on a wall facing you.
- Vertical lines are the strings: the low E string on the left, the high E string on the right.
- Horizontal lines are the frets. The thick bar at the top is the nut.
- Dots show where to press. The number is the finger: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger.
- O above a string means play it open. X means do not play it.
What is the easiest guitar chord?
E minor (Em). It needs only two fingers, on the 2nd fret of the A and D strings, and you strum all six strings. C major 7 and A minor 7 are close behind. At the other end of the scale, see the hardest guitar chords.
The 8 easiest guitar chords to learn
Learn them in pairs. Each pair shares most of its shape, so you learn two chords for the effort of one.
Easy chord progressions to practise
- G → C → D: the backbone of countless folk, pop and Bollywood songs.
- Em → C → G → D: a modern pop sound.
- A → D → E: a rock and blues staple.
- C → Am → Dm → G: the classic 1950s progression in C.
Strum each chord four times, using the patterns in the guitar strumming patterns guide. More in guitar chord progressions.
How to change chords faster
- Look for anchor fingers. Between C and Am your first and second fingers stay where they are; only the third finger moves.
- Move the whole shape at once instead of placing one finger at a time.
- Practise one-minute changes. Pick two chords, set a timer for 60 seconds and count the clean changes. Beat the number tomorrow.
- Keep the strumming hand moving even if the chord is not ready. Your fretting hand learns to arrive on time.
Common beginner problems
- Buzzing: press just behind the fret, not on top of it, using your fingertips.
- Muted strings: arch your fingers so they do not touch the strings next to them, with your thumb behind the neck.
- Sore fingertips: normal in the first weeks. Short daily sessions build calluses faster than one long session.
Want someone to check your hand position? Start with guitar classes for beginners, in Asansol or online.
Free PDF
Guitar Chord Chart
28 essential chords on two pages: major, minor, 7th, major 7th, sus and power chords, with fingering.