Experimental Jet Set, Trash & No Star

Acoustic guitar chords are expressed in print as chord diagrams. Chord diagrams for acoustic guitars look like guitar tabs for electric guitars but while guitar tabs are printed side-to-side (horizontally), acoustic guitar chord diagrams are vertical (top to bottom). The chord diagram appears as a series of crossed lines with vertical lines to mark each string, horizontal lines to mark each fret and dots to mark the spot where the string should be held down.

The acoustic guitar chord E-minor is much easier to learn how to finger. Your index finger goes on the second fret of the fifth string, while your middle finger rests on the second fret of the fourth string when playing this chord. There should be enough room for both fingers to rest on the fret without having them touch. After trying the notes, adjust your fingers until the sound you hear is the right note. Then, strum both strings to play the E-minor chord. You will notice a darker sound from this minor chord.

At first you will need to position your fingers one at a time to get the acoustic guitar chords to sound right, but with practice, the fingering will become natural and you will be able to position your fingers in the correct places quickly without having to think about it.

Learn How to Play Beginner Acoustic Guitar Chords

An acoustic guitar chord consists of several notes played simultaneously. There are several different acoustic guitar chords but one needs only to learn a few basic chords in order to play hundreds, if not thousands, of different songs. A basic fact to commit to memory before you begin is that major chords should sound bright while minor chords sound dark.

Acoustic guitar chords that comprise the basic ones to practice include C-major, D-major, A-minor, and A-major. Practice moving your fingers from one chord to another until it feels comfortable and familiar.

One acoustic guitar chord you will use frequently is G major. This chord uses three fingers of your left hand: the middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string, the index finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and the ring finger on the third fret of the first string. Leave the other three strings open. Then play all six strings, one at a time. You should be able to hear the chord clearly. If you hear buzzing or rattling, adjust your fingers on the frets. Move your finger down the string or try pressing the strings down harder on the fingerboard if the tone sounds off. Check to see that your fingers aren't touching each other or any of the other strings. Then when all the notes sound in tune, give them a strum all at once. You've just played a G-major acoustic guitar chord.