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Hi everyone, Rodrigo here again!
In today’s article, I’ll guide you through how to read guitar chord diagrams & charts for beginners—a crucial skill for every aspiring guitarist. Understanding these diagrams will help you play your first chords with confidence. We’ll break down vertical and horizontal lines, finger positions, barre chord symbols, and the meaning of “X” and “O” on chord charts. To help you get started, I’ll also introduce 25 essential beginner chords and answer some common FAQs.
If you’re new here, I have a 16-part series on music theory applied to guitar, covering everything from basic concepts to advanced techniques. You can explore these topics by clicking the links below or visiting the blog section in the top menu:
Simples Intervals -> Compound Intervals -> Triads -> Drop-2 Chords -> Drop-3 Chords -> Shell Chords & Extensions -> Triads & Extensions -> Chord Melody -> Guitar Arpeggios -> Guitar Scales -> Major Keys -> Minor Keys -> Harmonic Minor Keys -> Melodic Minor Keys -> Greek Modes -> Chord Progressions
Hope you enjoy the lesson!
How to Read Guitar Chord Diagrams & Charts for Beginners
How to Read Vertical Lines in Chord Diagrams
At first glance, chord diagrams might remind you of an Excel spreadsheet, but instead of numbers and formulas, they show you exactly where to place your fingers on the guitar neck to play a chord.
Understanding the Vertical Lines
Take a look at a chord diagram, and you'll see six vertical lines. Each one represents a string on your guitar:
The line on the far right corresponds to the thinnest string (1st string).
The line on the far left corresponds to the thickest string (6th string).
Chord Diagrams Vertical Lines
This order stays the same whether you're right- or left-handed.
String Numbers and Names
To make things even clearer, guitar strings are numbered from 1 to 6, starting from the thinnest (1st string) and ending with the thickest (6th string). Here’s a quick rundown of their names:
1st string – E (high E)
2nd string – B
3rd string – G
4th string – D
5th string – A
6th string – E (low E)
Chord Diagrams with Strings' Names
Since the 1st and 6th strings share the same name, we use “high” and “low” to differentiate them—"high E" because it produces a higher pitch and "low E" because it has a lower pitch.
Understanding these string names and numbers is key because this is how guitar instructors communicate. If you hear, "Place your index finger on the B string" or "Move your ring finger from the 1st string to the 3rd string," you’ll know exactly where to go.
How to Read Horizontal Lines in Chord Diagrams
Now, let's talk about the horizontal lines in a chord diagram. These lines represent the thin metal bars on your guitar neck, known as frets. That’s why you might hear the term "fretboard"—it’s simply the neck of the guitar, divided by these frets.
Understanding the Frets
The spaces between the frets are where you'll place your fingers to play notes and chords.
Most chord diagrams start from the 1st fret and cover up to the 4th or 5th fret because that’s where the most common chord shapes are found.
But sometimes, a song will require you to play chords higher up the neck. In that case, the diagram will indicate the starting fret, like this:
In this example, the top horizontal line represents the 5th fret, meaning the next lines correspond to the 6th, 7th, and 8th frets.
Finger Position
The black dots on a chord diagram show you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Let’s take a look at one of the most common guitar chords: E minor (Em).
In this diagram, you’ll see just two black dots, which means you only need two fingers to play it:
One finger goes on the 2nd space of the D string (4th string).
The other goes on the 2nd space of the A string (5th string).
Now, let’s check out another example—the A minor (Am) chord.
This time, there are three black dots, meaning we’ll use three fingers:
One finger on the 1st space of the B string (2nd string).
One on the 2nd space of the G string (3rd string).
One on the 2nd space of the D string (4th string).
At this point, you might be wondering: "Which fingers should I use for each note?" We’ll get to that in just a second! But first, there’s something important we need to clear up.
A Quick Note on Frets
Earlier, I mentioned that the frets are the thin metal bars on the guitar neck. That’s true! But in everyday guitar talk, the term “fret” is often used to refer to the spaces between those metal bars.
So instead of saying, “Place your finger on the 2nd space of the D string,” we simply say: “Place your finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.”
It means the same thing, but from now on, we’ll use "fret" as a synonym for "space" to keep things simple and consistent.
What Finger Should I Use for Each Note?
Most chord diagrams you’ll find are similar to the ones I just showed you—they often don’t indicate which fingers to use. Many instructors believe that chord fingering is intuitive and that students will naturally find a way to play them. However, I believe this approach can be risky for students.
Not all fingers have the same strength, and certain finger placements can put unnecessary strain on the wrist, potentially leading to long-term injuries. Poor fingering choices can also make learning slower and more frustrating, which may discourage students from practicing.
That said, some chord diagrams do include fingering instructions. These may use numbers inside the dots to indicate which finger to use:
1 = Index finger
2 = Middle finger
3 = Ring finger
4 = Pinky finger
A minor Chord Diagram with Correct Finger Position
Alternatively, some diagrams use letter abbreviations:
I = Index finger
M = Middle finger
R = Ring finger
P = Pinky finger
A minor Chord Diagram with Correct Finger Position
Using the correct fingering from the start will help you develop good technique, play more efficiently, and avoid unnecessary strain.
Barre Chord Symbols
Barre chords are a type of chord shape where one finger is used to press down multiple strings at the same time. Because they can be challenging to master, they often lead to frustration for many students.
If you’re just starting out on guitar, I highly recommend reading my article "How to Play Guitar: A Beginner’s Guide to Success!" It covers essential techniques that will help you develop an efficient playing style—and trust me, your future self will thank you!
Now, when it comes to barre chord diagrams, the barre is represented by a thick horizontal black line, typically played with the index finger. However, in some cases, barre chords can also be played using the ring or even the middle finger, depending on the chord shape and musical context.
How Do I Know Which Strings to Strum?
Now that we’ve covered everything related to your fretting hand and how to find each chord note, let’s talk about which strings you should strum for each chord—and which ones you should avoid.
What Does “X” Mean in Guitar Chords?
The “X” symbol, located between the chord diagram and the chord name, indicates which strings should not be played.
In the Am chord diagram below, you’ll see an “X” above the low E string. This means you should avoid or mute that string when strumming the chord.
A minor Chord Diagram In the D chord diagram, there are two “X” marks—one above the low E string and another above the A string. This means both of these strings should be avoided or muted when strumming the chord.
D major Chord Diagram In the Em chord diagram, there are no “X” marks. This means you should strum all the strings when playing this chord.
E minor Chord Diagram
What Does “O” Mean in Guitar Chords?
The “O” symbol, also located between the chord diagram and the chord name, represents an open string. An open string is one that is played without pressing any fingers on the fretboard—but it still needs to be strummed because it’s part of the chord.
For example, in the Am chord diagram, the “O” above the high e string means that you should strum that string along with the other strings where your fingers are placed. The only string to be avoided is the low E string.
25 Chords for Beginners
If you want to apply everything you’ve just learned and start playing real songs, check out my article “Basic Guitar Chords Chart: 25 Chords for Beginners.” In this guide, I provide a list of essential beginner-friendly chords, organized by difficulty level, that you should master before moving on to barre chords.
These chords will allow you to play a vast number of songs, as they cover the most commonly used keys in popular music, such as C major, A minor, G major, and E minor.
Just so you know, I have my own way of writing chord diagrams, which differs slightly from the conventional format because I believe it makes things clearer for beginners. In my diagrams, I number every fret, highlight the “X” with a red circle to make it stand out, and use letters to indicate the correct fingering for better guidance.
FAQ
What if a chord diagram looks different from another version I’ve seen?
Chords can have multiple voicings (different ways to play them). Some versions may be easier to play, sound fuller, or fit different musical styles.
What is the difference between a chord diagram and tablature (TAB)?
A chord diagram shows a static shape of a chord.
A tablature (TAB) shows a sequence of notes played individually (melody, riffs, or chord arpeggios).
What are "moveable" chord shapes?
Moveable chord shapes, such as barre chords, can be shifted up or down the neck to form different chords while keeping the same shape.
Can I modify a chord diagram to make it easier to play?
Yes! You can omit some notes, use a simplified voicing, or play a three-string version if the full shape is too difficult. I recommend reading my article on Triads, where I explain chord formation and how to play them using three, four, five, or six strings.
How do I know if a chord is played in an open position or higher up the neck?
If a chord includes open strings ("O"), it's an open chord (usually played in the first three frets).
If there’s a fret number indicated (e.g., “5” on the left), it’s a higher-position chord (likely a barre chord).
Why does a chord sound wrong when I play it?
It could be due to:
Incorrect finger placement (check the diagram carefully).
Not pressing hard enough (the notes should ring clearly).
Touching unwanted strings (adjust your fingers for better clearance).
Out-of-tune guitar (always tune before playing).
I recommend reading my article, How to Play Guitar: A Beginner’s Guide to Success!, to learn how to avoid the most common technical mistakes beginners make.
What does a curved line or arc over multiple strings mean?
This indicates a barre chord, where you use one finger (usually the index) to press down multiple strings at the same time.
Do I need to memorize all chord diagrams?
No, but knowing common open chords and barre chord shapes will help. Over time, you’ll recognize patterns instead of memorizing every individual diagram.
How do I switch chords faster?
Look ahead to the next chord.
Keep fingers close to the strings when moving.
Practice common progressions slowly, then speed up.
How do I know which fret to start on?
Most beginner chord diagrams show open-position chords (starting from the first few frets). If a chord is played higher up, the diagram will indicate the starting fret number on the side.
What do “add9,” “sus4,” or other chord extensions mean in a diagram?
These are variations of basic chords that include additional or altered notes. Learning basic theory will help understand what they mean. I recommend reading my article on Triads, where I explain chord formation.
What does a slash in a chord name mean (e.g., D/F#)?
A slash chord (e.g., D/F#) means the note after the slash (F#) is played as the bass note instead of the usual root note. I recommend reading my article on Triads, where I explain chord formation.
How do I practice reading chord diagrams efficiently?
Start with basic open chords (Em, E, Am, etc.).
Learn barre chords once comfortable with open chords.
Practice switching between chords smoothly.
Use a metronome to develop timing.
Wishing you all the best on your musical journey! Looking forward to seeing you here again soon!
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