The Major Chord
A chord is a group of three or more notes that are played together. Chords are used to accompany a singer, or an instrumentalist who is playing the melody of a song. Major chords are the most common chords.
The first chord learned is the G major chord, usually just called the G chord. The G major chord is indicated by the letter G. This is called the chord symbol. Chords are learned with the help of a chord diagram. (See Chord Diagrams)
G Major Chord
G
To play the G chord place your:
- First finger just behind the second fret of the 5th string.
- Second finger just behind the third fret of the 6th string.
- Third finger just behind the third fret of the 1st string.
To play the G chord, play all six strings with the pick at the same time using a downward motion. This is called a strum. Hold the pick lightly and strum from the wrist. Keep your wrist relaxed.
If any notes buzz or sound muffled, you may have to press harder. Make sure your fingers are just behind the fret.
The Quarter Note Downward Strum
This is the symbol for a downward strum. This is a quarter note strum. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter note strums in one bar of * time.
Metronome Symbol
This is the symbol for a metronome. It appears beneath the staff, next to the 'count' numbers, which indicate how to count the time. Large blue numbers represent a count or beat where a note is to be played, while smaller grey numbers are used when notes are either held or not played at all.
The chord symbol is written above the staff. A new chord symbol is placed at the beginning of each bar.
