Open Chords on Guitar

The most fundamental chords that all guitarists learn are the "Open Chords". These chords are all played within the first three frets of the guitar and always use at least one open string.

First, learn each major chord from A to G and be able to play them consecutively at faster tempos. Then try the same thing with Minor, Diminished, etc. Below is a chord by chord breakdown.

A Major - Play the E on the D string with the first finger, the A on the G string with the 2nd finger, etc. Let the open A and E strings ring out. When playing any chord on guitar make sure every note is sounding and is not getting cut off by a stray finger.

B7 - The B major chord is not very practical to play as an open chord although it is possible. A lot of times you are playing in the key of E for example so you are using a B7 as a V chord rather than a straight B major chord anyway. For this reason, I am showing you the B7 shape.