If you’re just beginning to learn how to play guitar chords, this lesson will show you three easy chords that you can use to play many different songs on the guitar. The simple guitar chords we will be focusing on will be what are called the ‘Easy’ forms of the C, G and G7 chords. The C chord and the G7 chord only use the index finger, while the G chord uses the ring finger. Each of these simple guitar chord forms only needs one finger to play – EASY!
** Before we begin, make sure your guitar is tuned. You should always tune your guitar before playing, otherwise the chords or songs you play on the guitar may not sound right.
The G7 Chord
Let’s start with the G7 chord first. Why? Because it is the easiest of the 3 easy guitar chord forms. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the first (bottom) string. Now strum down starting from the 3rd or G string. Congratulations! You just played a G7 chord on the guitar.
The C Major Chord
For the next easy guitar chord, all you need to do is to move your index finger up one string. So, for the C chord, your index finger should be on the 1st fret of the 2nd string. Now strum the same 3 string as you did for the G7 chord and you have just played a C chord on the guitar.
The G Chord
For the last of the easy guitar chords, we will have to switch fingers so this is a chance to give your index finger a break. To play the easy G chord, place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string and strum the same 3 strings as with the previous 2 chords. That’s it, you’re done. You’ve learned and played your first three chords on the guitar.
Guitar Chord Tips
- Make sure your fingers are curled and you are pressing the strings with your fingertips.
- Also make sure all of the notes in the guitar chords are ringing out, carefully pluck each string to ensure make sure of this. Since there are only 3 strings or notes in each of these chords, each one is important.
- Practice changing between the new guitar chords you’ve learned.
