So now, from the E major scale, E = I, F# (sharp) =II, G# = III, A = IV, B = V, C# = VI and D# = VII, you can work out both the major and minor chords. This means C minor is made up of C, Eb (flat) and G. To make a major chord into a minor, you flatten (lower the pitch by one fret, or a half-step) the III note. These notes are numbered (usually using Roman numerals) in that order, from one (I) to seven (VII).Ī major chord is made from the I, III and V notes, so C major uses the notes C, E and G. The C major scale is the easiest, because it just runs C, D, E, F, G, A and B. All chords are built from certain notes in scales. Getting to grips with how chords are formed gives you a basic introduction to music theory and helps you understand the ways you can alter them to create more interesting sounds. Major and minor chords, which create happy and sad sounds, respectively, are the most basic chords you'll need to play beginner-friendly songs. Chords are classified according to the overall effect they produce. Technically speaking, a chord is a group of three or more notes played in one smooth strumming motion. As a beginner, mastering the most common chords allows you to play along to popular songs and even start writing your own.

Mastering Common Guitar ChordsĬhords are the backbone of most guitar music. The black circles show you where to press down. If there is an X it means don't play that string and if there is a 0 it means to play that string but do not press down on it anywhere. The numbers listed let you know what fret number it is referring too. The horizontal lines represent the frets on the guitar and the vertical lines represent the strings.

Online guitar chord dictionary