The basic major chords C, A, G, E and D

The following basic chords have already been described on countless websites. But only if you truly understand them will you be able to modify chords easily or change the chord type. Soon you'll be able to construct any chord on your own without having to memorize countless chords.

A major chord contains three different notes: root (1), major third (3), and fifth (5).

These notes can be arranged in any order on the guitar's fretboard, and some may occur more than once. In most cases the lowest-sounding note should be the root (except when playing with a bass player), but it doesn't always have to be.

The following five major chords are the foundation for what follows. They fall into two categories:

• The first two chords (C and G major) start in root position (1 3 5). Then some notes repeat.
• In the second group (E, A, and D major) the root (1) is followed by the 5th, then the root again (an octave higher), and finally the 3rd.

ⓘ Switch to interval view and compare the structure of the two chords.

In both chords, the lowest three notes already form a complete major triad: root (1), major third (3), and fifth (5). Then some notes repeat on the higher strings.

You can omit a repeated note – e.g., the 3rd after the lowest root. The G major chord often sounds better if you mute the A string instead of playing the B.

Another variation: raise the second (higher) root by two frets to play a 9th. Now you've got an add9 chord that often sounds great instead of a plain major chord. Sometimes these shapes are even easier to play!

You can see some examples for the use of those variations in these chord progressions.

The symbol for a major chord is simply the root note written as a capital letter. For example, a "C" chord means a C major chord.