Open Chords

A chord is three or more notes played at the same time. Melody refers to scales and
modes played one note at a time. Harmony refers to chords and simultaneity of notes.

If you are a beginner you should practice playing chords AT LEAST 50% of the time.
Playing chords is a big part of playing the guitar. Since the guitar is a mid-range
instrument, it is ideal for dominating the rhythmic qualities of any song.

Open chords are chords that contain open strings.

Barre chords are chords that do not contain any open strings.

If a chord is displayed as a natural (E, C, B, etc.) it is a given that it is a major chord.

G by itself is the same as calling it G major, but you should just call it G.

If a chord has a lower-case m next to it then it is a minor chord. Am is the same as

saying A minor. Am7 is the same as saying A minor seventh. A7 is just A seventh; we
know that it’s a major because there is no lower-case m, so we don’t even need to say
major – its just A seventh. 0 means play that string open – not pressed anywhere. X
means don’t play that string at all.

Open chords - major & minor

G D C E A Am Em Dm

The Curious Guitarist

Open chords – sevenths (7)
G7 D7 A7 C7 E7 Am7 Dm7 B7

*Strum each chord down 4 times. (There is a total of 4 beats or strums within each
dash or measure.)
#1 G – C – D – C
#2 A – E – D – E
#3 Am – Dm – Am – Am
Em – Em – Am – Am

#4 G – C G – D C / D
*Two chords in a measure each get two strums or two beats. The slash means give
the previous chord one extra strum or beat.
(G = 4 strums) (C = 2, G = 2) (D = 1, C = 2, D = 1)

The Curious Guitarist