The first 8 guitar chords to learn
Eight open chords are enough to accompany a large share of pop, rock and folk songs. They are called "open" because they are played near the head of the guitar and use open strings, with no barre. Here is which ones to learn, in which order, and how to practise so that the changes become smooth.
Start with the two easiest: E minor and A minor
E minor (Em) takes only two fingers, on the 2nd fret of the A and D strings, and all six strings ring. It is the perfect chord for day one: it sounds full even with a clumsy hand.
A minor (Am) uses three fingers, on the D, G and B strings, and the low E string is not played. Notice that the shape is the one of E major, moved over by one string: that is what makes the next chord easy.
E major and A major
E major (E) has exactly the shape of A minor, moved one string towards the bass. Going from A minor to E means moving the same shape over by one string: a great first exercise in changing chords.
A major (A) lines up three fingers on the 2nd fret of the D, G and B strings. The fingers are tight: if it is hard, angle them slightly, with the index furthest back. Many guitarists later play this chord with a single finger flat across the three strings.
D, G and C: the song chords
D major (D) is played on the four high strings only: the low E and A strings are not played. Aim your picking-hand thumb at the D string to start the chord in the right place.
G major (G) spans the whole neck, from the low E string to the high E string. There are several fingerings; the one in the diagram uses the 3rd fret on both E strings.
C major (C) is often the hardest of the eight: the ring finger has to reach the 3rd fret of the A string, and the low E string is not played. Take your time: curve your fingers well so each one touches only its own string.
D minor to complete the set
D minor (Dm) is also played on the four high strings. With A minor and E minor, you now have the three minor chords of the key of C major: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am. Only F is missing, because it needs a barre: keep it for later.
How to practise the changes
The hard part is not holding a chord but moving quickly to the next one. Take two chords (for example Em and Am) and switch between them for one minute, counting how many clean changes you make. Write the number down and do it again the next day: it goes up fast.
Look for pivot fingers, the ones that stay in place from one chord to the next. Between A minor and C, the index and middle fingers do not move: only the ring finger changes string. Between D and G nothing stays, but the hand keeps the same overall shape.
Play slowly and in time rather than fast with stops. A metronome at 60 beats per minute, one change every four beats, is enough at first. The app's Tools tab has a metronome.
The most common mistakes
A string that buzzes or sounds muted almost always comes from finger placement: press just behind the fret (the metal bar), not in the middle of the space, and with the tip of the finger, so you do not touch the next string.
The fretting-hand thumb goes behind the neck, roughly in the middle, not wrapped over the top. And do not squeeze more than needed: press just hard enough for the note to ring clearly.
Sore fingertips during the first two or three weeks are normal: the skin hardens. Ten minutes a day beats an hour on Sundays.
Your first progressions
With these chords you can already play sequences heard in thousands of songs: G – D – Em – C, C – G – Am – Em, or A – D – E, the basis of rock and blues in A.
In the app's Keys tab, pick the key of G or C and the "Pop" progression: the app plays it in time and highlights each chord while you play along.
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Updated on 2026-10-22