Beginners · Guitar
The first guitar chords to learn, in order
Most guitarists learn the same handful of open chords first, because together they unlock thousands of songs. This path adds them in an order where each new chord builds on the last — usually by moving just one or two fingers.
- You’ll learn
- EmAmCGDEAA7D7E7DmF
- How to practice
- Take one stage at a time. Switch between the chords for one minute, counting how many clean changes you make — then try to beat it tomorrow. The chord change trainer counts for you and tracks your streak.
E minor and A minor
Em needs just two fingers and lets all six strings ring — the gentlest possible start. Am uses the same two-finger shape moved over one string, plus your index finger.
Tip: Press with your fingertips, just behind the fret wire, and keep your thumb low behind the neck.
C major
x32010From Am to C, only your ring finger moves — the index and middle fingers stay exactly where they are.
Tip: Don’t strum the low E string on C; start from the A string.
G major
320003G spreads three fingers across the neck. Using your middle, ring and pinky fingers (3-2-4) instead of 2-1-3 makes the change to C much quicker later on.
Tip: Aim for a big, ringing strum across all six strings.
D major
xx0232D is played on just the top four strings. With G, C and D you have the three primary chords of G major — the backbone of countless folk, country and rock songs.
Tip: Start your strum on the open D string so the bass doesn’t muddy the chord.
Practice G ↔ D changes with the trainer →
Ready for more? Play along with G–C–D–C — it uses only chords you know.
E major and A major
E is the Am shape moved up one string. A squeezes three fingers into the 2nd fret. Together with D they give you the key of A — perfect for rock and blues.
Tip: If three fingers won’t fit on A, try a slight diagonal, or index-middle-ring angled toward the headstock.
Practice E ↔ A changes with the trainer →
Ready for more? Play along with A–D–E–D — it uses only chords you know.
A7, D7 and E7
These open 7th chords are the sound of the blues. Each is a small change to a chord you already know, and together they make a complete 12-bar blues in A.
Tip: Count four strums per bar and follow the 12-bar pattern on the play-along.
Practice D7 ↔ E7 changes with the trainer →
Ready for more? Play along with A7–D7–E7 — it uses only chords you know.
D minor and F major
F is the famous hurdle, because the full chord needs your index finger across all six strings. Start with the four-string version instead: it sounds great and needs only a small two-string barre. With F you can play the most-used progression in pop: C–G–Am–F.
Tip: Keep practicing the full barre F in short bursts — most people need a few weeks before it rings cleanly.
Practice Dm ↔ F changes with the trainer →
Ready for more? Play along with C–G–Am–F — it uses only chords you know.