3 Best Easy Beginner Guitar Chords

A majority of all songs consist of a series of easy beginner guitar chords. Once you can play these chords, you can probably play most songs. 

By learning easy beginner guitar chords you build up your chops. You can then jam out along with your friends or play your favorite songs. 

Why Start With Beginner Chords?

Chords make up the backbone of almost every song ever written. The easy beginner guitar chords you learn now will be the building blocks for the songs you play in the future. 

Some chords can be quite difficult to play. So, it’s vital to get off to a good start with your learning. 

That’s why this article teaches you the best easy beginner guitar chords to begin your musical journey with. 

Major Chords

Major chords are the best place to start learning how to play the guitar as a beginner. That’s because they appear in more songs than more complex or darker-sounding chords.

What are the strings called?

Before you can learn major chords, you need to know the names of the strings. The thickest string that is closest to you is called the sixth string. The thinnest one that is furthest away is the first string. In order from sixth to first, the open strings are E-A-D-G-B-E. 

The Best Chord to Learn First: G Major 

The G major chord is one of several easy beginner guitar chords. It is fundamental for every guitarist to know. It’s used as the basis for thousands of songs. 

It’s hard to learn as you have to stretch your hand from the low E to the high E. Your fingers may not be strong enough to finger the chord when you first try. Your pinky, in particular, will need to build strength. 

The good news is there is a cheat’s method which we’ll show you.

Playing the G Major Chord

To play a G Major chord, begin by finding the G note. Finger the third fret on the sixth string using your middle finger. Now finger the third fret on the high E string. Use your pinky if you can. 

Next, place your pointer finger on the second fret on the fifth string. Strum through all strings and you are playing a full G Major chord, G-B-D-G-B-G. (insert pic)

Cheat’s version 

Many beginners have trouble grabbing all the notes of the G Major or playing them clearly. Luckily, there is an easier version. To do this, put your pointer on the third fret of the low E string. Also rest it gently against the fifth string, so that it doesn’t sound (this is called muting). Then, just strum strings six, three and four, and you will play G-D-G. (Insert Pic)

Practice this and gradually introduce the other notes in the full chord.

C Major and D Major

C Major and D Major should be next on your list for practice. They’re both a little bit easier to grab than the G. 

To play a C chord, use your pointer to finger a C note on the second string. Then put your middle finger on the second fret on the fourth string—this is an E note. Finally, use your ring finger to finger a C note on the third fret of the A string. Now you’re playing E-C-E-G-C-E. A perfect C Major.

To play a D Major chord, we’ll only use strings one, two, three and four. Leave the fourth string open, that’s a D. Then, use your pointer finger on the second fret of the G string. Now, use your middle finger to play the second fret on the first string. Finally, you can use your ring finger on the second string in the third position.

With all three of these easy beginner guitar chords under your belt, you’re on your way to playing songs. 

Tips for Playing Easy Beginner Guitar Chords

Here are a few general tips for playing chords on the guitar. 

• Always keep your thumb on the back of the neck for the strongest hand position 
• Press the strings firmly with the pads of your fingertips
• Squeeze the strings only as hard as you have to 
• Don’t put your fingers right on the metal frets, play notes on the wood 
• Practice routinely and consistently
• Don’t worry if you overdo it or the tips of your fingers start to hurt. Your fingers will gradually develop calluses, allowing you to play for longer periods.
  

Let’s Play!

Now you know the chords you’ll need, let’s learn how to play Love Me Do by the Beatles. 

Don’t worry too much about getting these chords perfect before you begin. One of the best ways to learn them is by playing them in a song. 

Just remember that it might take you quite some time to get the chords sounding clear and to be able to change them smoothly.

Take your time, keep practicing and make sure you have fun.