Easy guitar chords for beginners
Updated October 22, 2026
How to read the shapes
Each shape lists six numbers, one per string, from the thickest (low E) to the thinnest (high E). A number is the fret to press, 0 means play the string open, and x means don't play it. So x32010 is C: skip the low E, 3rd fret on A, 2nd fret on D, open G, 1st fret on B, open high E.
The ten chords
| Chord | Frets (low E → high E) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Em (E minor) | 022000 | Two fingers. The easiest chord on the guitar. |
| Am (A minor) | x02210 | Same shape as E, one string over. |
| E (E major) | 022100 | Em plus one finger on the G string. |
| A (A major) | x02220 | Three fingers side by side on the 2nd fret. |
| D (D major) | xx0232 | Strum only the top four strings. |
| C (C major) | x32010 | A stretch at first; keep the fingers arched. |
| G (G major) | 320003 | Strum all six strings. |
| Dm (D minor) | xx0231 | Like D, with the top finger moved back a fret. |
| G7 | 320001 | Like G, with the high E at the 1st fret. |
| F (F major) | 133211 | A full barre: the first finger presses all six strings. Learn it last. |
Pick a chord on the online guitar to see its shape on the neck and hear how it should sound — then copy it onto your own guitar.
The order to learn them in
- 1
Em and Am — few fingers, and they sound good together.
- 2
E and A — the same hand shapes as Em and Am, one finger more.
- 3
D — short, four-string chord; the start of many songs.
- 4
G and C — the two everyone needs; practise switching between them.
- 5
Dm and G7 — small changes to shapes you already know.
- 6
F — the first barre chord. Start with an easier version on the top four strings (xx3211) if the full barre buzzes.
Progressions to practise
| Progression | Chords | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Three-chord rock | G – C – D | The backbone of countless songs |
| Pop progression | C – G – Am – F | Used in a huge number of pop songs |
| Minor feel | Am – F – C – G | The same four chords, starting on Am |
| Ballad | Em – C – G – D | Easy changes, big sound |
| Folk | D – G – A | Three open chords that flow into each other |
| Classic turnaround | C – Am – Dm – G7 | Ends pulling back to C |
How to practise
- One-minute changes: pick two chords and switch between them for a minute, counting the clean changes. Do it every day and watch the number climb.
- Four strums per chord: strum down four times, change, repeat. Keep going even if the change isn't perfect.
- Use a metronome at a slow tempo, around 60–70 BPM.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, to stop buzzing.
- Record yourself: on the online guitar, hit Record and strum a progression, then listen back. Save the take to get it as sheet music with tab.
Questions
What is the easiest guitar chord?
- E minor (022000): two fingers on the 2nd fret, and you strum all six strings.
Which chords should a beginner learn first?
- Em, Am, E, A, D, C and G. They're open chords, and together they cover most beginner songs.
Why is F so hard?
- It's a barre chord: one finger presses all six strings at the first fret. Start with the small version xx3211 and come back to the full barre later.
How long does it take to learn the basic chords?
- With short daily practice, most people can switch between the first few open chords within a few weeks. Clean, quick changes take longer — keep practising slowly.
Can I practise without a guitar?
- You can learn the shapes and the sound on an online guitar, but your fingers need a real instrument to build strength and calluses.
Try the chords on the guitar — free, no sign-up.
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