How to read a chord diagram
- Vertical lines are strings: the left one is the 6th (low E, the thickest) and the right one is the 1st (high E).
- Horizontal lines are frets. The thick line at the top is the nut (the start of the neck).
- A dot with a number shows where to press and which finger to use: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky.
- ○ on top: play the string open. × on top: don't play that string.
- A long bar is a barre: the index finger lies flat across several strings on the same fret.
Guitar chord chart for beginners
Easy chords (one finger)
Major chords
Minor chords
Seventh chords
Where to start
With Em, Am, C, G and D you can already play hundreds of songs. Practise switching between two chords for one minute, keeping your strumming hand moving, before adding a third.
→ Chord progressions and strumming patterns to practise
Practise chords with the microphone
The app shows the fingering for every note as you play and checks you through the microphone. Free, no sign-up.
Open the app →Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest guitar chord?
E minor (Em) with two fingers, or Em7 with just one. That's why they open the chord path in the app.
Why does my chord sound muted?
Usually a finger is lying flat and touching the string below. Press with your fingertip, close to the fret, with short nails.
What do the letters mean?
Chord names use letters: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. A small “m” means minor and “7” means seventh.
How do I practise chord changes?
In the Dedilhado Vivo app the microphone listens to your chord and tells you whether every string rang. Start slowly and change exactly on the beat.