First Chords

by John Davison

www.pontefractguitarlessons.co.uk

The following chords are the ones that every guitar player and certainly every student at Pontefract Guitar Lessons should start out with. These chords are all 'Open Chords'. This means they are played in open position and contain a mix of fretted notes and open strings. Note that there are versions of G Major. These are just two slightly different fingerings, but they are both G Majors. The 2nd version is often described as sound a bit brighter, so give them both a try!

To read the chord charts follow this guide: The far left line depicts the 6th (Bottom) E String. The numbered dots relate to which finger to use. Your index finger is 1, middle finger is 2, ring finger is 3 and little/pinky finger is 4. Finally the o's and x's guide you when to play an open string (o) and when not to play a string (x).

How to practise chords: Start by placing the very tips of your fingers in the correct positions. Keep your wrist low and your thumb directly behind where you are playing, pointing upwards. Start by strumming the chord fully and then play down each string individually. This will help you to identify which strings, if any, are not sounding out clearly. It's most oftenly a very small movement from an unclear chord to one that rings out perfectly.