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A Guide for Beginners - Major Chords

by Christopher Sung

Pages: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7

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Major Chords
When you first start playing guitar, the easiest chords to play are the ones requiring the least amount of fingers, and in the least awkward positions. This usually means that one or more open strings are involved, meaning that you play that string but you don't need to place a finger on it. Major chords are perhaps the most common type of chord found in Western music, and are traditionally the first chords that a beginning guitarist learns.

One mnemonic that teachers use to help remember the most common major chords is the the word CAGED. This stands for the

• C Major
• A Major
• G Major
• E Major
• D Major

For now, I don't want you to worry about strumming or rhythm. I just want you to concentrate on each chord, how it sounds, and how it feels under your fingers. Also, keep in mind that becoming comfortable with these fingerings and switching back and forth between them is one of the hardest tasks you'll ever endure and is usually the difference between those who have fun playing their guitar, and those that keep it in the case under their bed.