10 Basic Guitar Chords For Beginners

When learning basic guitar chords, beginners should start with these 10 foundational guitar chords. Some of these will be much easier to play compared to others. Over time you’ll develop the finger strength to play all of these chords.

You may wonder how to play guitar chords? How to practice them? 

I recommend taking a look at my 10 Grammy Nominated Easy Guitar Songs To Play post. This post has 10 excellent songs that have simple chord progressions.

For example, the song “Royals” by Lorde uses three chords: D major, C major and G major. It’s ideal for beginners! I suggest that first, you learn to play each chord individually. Get your fingers comfortable with being in the correct spots. As you play the chord make sure that every note rings out clearly. This will take time, be patient! When you are ready, play the chords in a sequence to get comfortable transitioning from playing one chord to the next. And finally, when you’re ready, play the chords in order along with the song!

A Major Chord (A chord)

The A Major chord (often called the “A chord”) has three notes: A, C#, E

The chord formula is: I-III-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

A Minor Chord

The A Minor chord has three notes: A, C, E

The chord formula is: I-bIII-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

C Major Chord (C chord)

The C Major chord (often called the “C chord”) has three notes: C, E, G

The chord formula is: I-III-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

D Major Chord (D chord)

The D Major chord (often called the “D chord”) has three notes: D, F#, A

The chord formula is: I-III-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

D Minor Chord

The D Minor chord has three notes: D, F, A

The chord formula is: I-bIII-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

E Major Chord (E chord)

The E Major chord (often called the “E chord”) has three notes: E, G#, B

The chord formula is: I-III-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

E Minor Chord

The E Minor chord has three notes: E, G, B

The chord formula is: I-bIII-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

F Major Bar Chord (F chord)

This F Bar chord is played from the 1st fret on the guitar. 

It is a Major chord made up of these notes: F, A, C

The chord formula is: I-III-V

Here is how to play this F bar chord on guitar:

G Minor Bar Chord

This G Minor chord is played from the 3rd fret on the guitar. 

It is a Minor chord made up of these notes: G, Bb, D

The chord formula is: I-bIII-V

Here is how to play this G minor chord on guitar:

G Major Chord (G chord)

The G Major chord (often called the “G chord”) has three notes: G, B, D

The chord formula is: I-III-V

Here is a typical way this chord is played:

Further reading

1. 10 Grammy Nominated Easy Guitar Songs To Play
2. 14 Bar Chords Guitar Player Should Know (6th string root)
3. 14 Barre Chords Guitar Players Should Know (5th string root)
4. 8 Power Chords Guitar Players Should Know
5. Guitar Notes for Beginners: Names of Notes on Every Guitar String
6. The Circle of 5ths: A Foundational Music Theory Tool For Guitarists