10 Essential Guitar Chords for Beginners

Why These 10 Chords?

Most popular songs use a surprisingly small set of chords. These 10 open chords form the foundation of guitar playing. Once you can switch between them smoothly, you'll be able to play along with thousands of songs.

The Chords

1. E Minor (Em)

The easiest chord. Middle finger on 2nd fret A string, ring finger on 2nd fret D string. Strum all six.

2. E Major (E)

Index on 1st fret G, middle on 2nd fret A, ring on 2nd fret D. Strum all six.

3. A Major (A)

Three fingers on the 2nd fret of D, G, B strings. Strum from A down.

4. A Minor (Am)

Index on 1st fret B, middle on 2nd fret D, ring on 2nd fret G. Strum from A.

5. D Major (D)

Index on 2nd fret G, ring on 3rd fret B, middle on 2nd fret high E. Top four strings.

6. C Major (C)

Index on 1st fret B, middle on 2nd fret D, ring on 3rd fret A. Strum from A down.

7. G Major (G)

Middle on 3rd fret low E, index on 2nd fret A, ring on 3rd fret high E. Strum all.

8. D Minor (Dm)

Index on 1st fret high E, middle on 2nd fret G, ring on 3rd fret B. Strum from D.

9. F Major (F)

First barre chord. Barre index across 1st fret, form E-shape. Start with simplified top-two-string version.

10. B7

Index on 1st fret D, middle on 2nd fret A, ring on 2nd fret G, pinky on 2nd fret high E.

Transition Tips

• Practice two chords at a time before adding more.
• Find anchor fingers that stay put between chords.
• Go slow. Speed comes from accuracy.
• Use a metronome at 60 BPM, switch on each beat.

Helpful Gear

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.