Acoustic guitar chords: easy step by step lesson

Several notes played simultaneously is called an acoustic guitar chord. Even with many different acoustic guitar chords, if you learn just a few basic acoustic guitar chords, you will be able to play hundreds of songs, if not more. Major chords give out a cheerful sound while minor chords emit a sound that seems darker or sadder.

Acoustic guitar chords are expressed in print as chord diagrams. Chord diagrams for acoustic guitars look like guitar tabs for electric guitars but while guitar tabs are printed side-to-side (horizontally), acoustic guitar chord diagrams are vertical (top to bottom). The chord diagram appears as a series of crossed lines with vertical lines to mark each string, horizontal lines to mark each fret and dots to mark the spot where the string should be held down.

Numbers will be at the top or bottom of the acoustic guitar chord diagram. This diagram represents the finger that holds down each strong - 1 means the index finger, 2 means the middle finger, 3 the ring finger, and 4 the pinky. If you see a 0, that means to leave the string open when you play. On the other hand, an X means an string open that is not played. And occasionally you'll see T used. This means to use your thumb to play, but this does not occur too often.

The first acoustic guitar chord were going to tackle is the G-major chord. Your middle finger goes on the sixth string at the third fret, your index finger goes on the fifth string at the second fret and your ring finger goes on the first string on the third fret. Play each individual note, including the open strings one by one. Be careful you can plainly hear each note and make sure you dont hear any strange buzzing or rattling noises from the strings. If the sound isn't right, you can try pushing harder on the string so that it presses closer to the fingerboard. You can also bring your finger closer to the fret. Your fingers should not be touching one another, or any of the other strings. You can strum all of the notes in unison once the sound is good. You will then be playing a G-major acoustic guitar chord.

The chord E-minor is considered to have easier fingering than the others. Use your index finger to hold down the fifth string on the second fret and your middle finger to hold down the fourth string on the second fret. Both fingers need to have plenty of room on the fret and can not touch each other. Try the notes out and alter your fingering a bit until it sounds right to you. Finally, strum the E-minor chord. You will note right away the dark sound associated with this acoustic guitar chord. With a little practice, you will have this chord down in no time.

Acoustic guitar chords that comprise the basic ones to practice include C-major, D-major, A-minor, and A-major. Practice moving your fingers from one chord to another until it feels comfortable and familiar.

When first learnIng the acoustic guitar chords you will need to start off slow, and eventually, your fingers will get in place by themselves. With some practice, your fingers will be moving quickly across these acoustic guitar chords.