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how to read a Guitar Chord Chart

A guitar chord chart is used for displaying the notes in a chord. You read it like you would read a scale chart. A chord chart displays the notes on the neck that are associated with a certain chord. Sometimes chord charts are also just one chord which might sometimes be confusing.

{chord_chart.gifr A guitar chord chart can be used for different purposes. For example; to create a riff, an arpeggio or find different ways of playing a chord. The basic chord chart, like on the right, displays the positions of the notes. It does not display the actual notes in the chord. In this example the C major chord is used. C major uses the C, the E and G note.

In this chord chart the C note (the root of the chord) is displayed differently to make it easier. You read this chart upside down, like you would like at the neck of your guitar from above when you are playing. The first line is the thinnest string of you guitar (high E). Since the E string itself can be played in this chord an 'o' symbol is displayed, meaning the 'Open string' is in the chord. Strings with an 'X' in front of it are not in the chord.

The great thing about this chord chart is that you can use it to find the notes in the chord easily and play the pattern. What you will learn is that these patterns for each chord are not totally random. If you learn a pattern for a major chord you can use it for all major chords if you can find the root on the neck of your guitar. An example:

C major chord 3 fret
D major chord 5 fret

So if you learn this pattern you will be able to play this major pattern all over the neck.

Step 1: find the root on a string on the neck
Step 2: play the pattern

In this example you can search for the root on the A string (5th string). The C is on the 3rd fret. The D is on the 5th freth.

Try to study the next few chords and play them up and down. Also try to set it at different postions.

E major chord
G major chord
B major chord
D major chord

Now try to play these patterns for other chords at different positions.

..................

The complete article how to read a Guitar Chord Chart is available in association with MusicianUniversity.com as part of the following courses

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Mu by Lisa

You have lost me here on this page, cant seem to get past it

Mu by Anthony

I do not understand your explanation of the basic chord which can be played anywhere on the frets. Can you give more diagrams with more explanations.

Thanks

Mu by Anthony

Can you explain the chord chart more with more diagrams? Please show where the top frets are and which strings are which

Mu by Janet

I'm also completely confused about this page.

+ Post comment/question/reply

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