Open Chords

Before we can delve into the vast world of chords, we have to first go over some background information. Chords are formed by playing three or more notes of a specific key or scale simultaneously. In particular, the major chord is constructed by stacking the root, third, and fifth note of its respective major scale. Since we already know how to play a major scale, we can always figure out the notes of the major chord that goes with it. A major chord can be formed in many positions all over the neck of the guitar, just by stacking the root, third and fifth together. However, for the objective of our lesson we will focus solely on major chords in the open position.

E Major Chord

The E major chord is probably the easiest chord to play, so it’s a good place to get started. The fingering for the E major chord is as follows: place your second finger on the 2^nd fret of the 5^th string (A string), your third finger on the 2^nd fret of the 4^th string (D string), and your first finger on the 1^st fret of the 3^rd string (G string). In this case, your third finger is on the root note, E. Your first finger is fretting the third, G#. Your second finger is covering the fifth, B. You can play an E major scale to double check your work. Now, you can strum all six strings together since the open strings are just repeating the notes that you have already fretted. When played properly, an open E major chord will have a “happy” sound like this:

E Minor Chord

Once you have learned the E major chord it is rather simple to play the E minor chord, given you know the theory behind it. Minor chords are based off of the minor scale that goes with them. Since there are several minor scales, we don’t want to complicate things too much just yet. All you need to know for now is that a minor chord can be made by flattening the third of the major chord.

Flattening a note means to move it down a half step, or one fret. In the case of E major, the third is G#, the 1^st fret of the G string. In order to make an E minor, move the G# down to a G. In other words, instead of playing the 1^st fret of the G string, you will play open G string. This can be done simply by taking your first finger off the G string and letting it ring open when you strum the chord. Once again, you can strum all six strings in the E minor chord. When played correctly, an open E minor chord will have a “sad” sound like this:

Now that we’ve learned some theory behind major and minor chords, lets learn the A open chords.