Chords
A chord is a group of 3 or more notes played simultaneously. Different types of chords can be formed by using different combinations of notes. The most common chord is the major chord.
Chords are learned with the help of a chord diagram. This is a grid of horizontal and vertical lines representing the strings and frets of the guitar. A chord diagram will show you exactly where to place your left hand fingers in order to play a particular chord. The following diagram the most common fingering for a C major chord.
C
Chord Symbol
If you look at the next diagram you can see that the C major chord contains the notes C, E and G. The chord takes its name from the first note of the chord. This note is called the root note of the chord.
Any major chord is usually described by its letter name only, so a C major chord would usually be called a C chord. Although this chord contains more than three notes, there are still only three different notes, because notes C and E occur twice in this fingering.
To play the C chord, play the first 5 strings with the pick using one 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 with one or more fingers. Make sure your fingers are just behind the fret.
Chord Symbols
Chords are indicated by a chord symbol above the music notation. In the case of major chords, the symbol consists only of the letter name of the chord. For example, a C chord is indicated by the letter C, an A chord is indicated by the letter A, a Bb chord is indicated by the symbol Bb, etc.
