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A chord played on the acoustic guitar is defined as a few notes played at the same time. There are many different acoustic guitar chords, but by learning just the elementary ones, it is possible to play a whole lot of songs. Major chords have a bright, melodious sound and minor chords sound melancholy or sad.

Acoustic guitar chords are expressed in print as chord diagrams. Chord diagrams for acoustic guitars look like guitar tabs for electric guitars but while guitar tabs are printed side-to-side (horizontally), acoustic guitar chord diagrams are vertical (top to bottom). The chord diagram appears as a series of crossed lines with vertical lines to mark each string, horizontal lines to mark each fret and dots to mark the spot where the string should be held down.

The acoustic guitar chord diagram will display six lines with numbers on those lines. The lines represent the stings from top to bottom of the guitar neck, and the numbers represent which finger is to be used on the string to produce a chord. 1 indicates that the index finger should be used, 2 for the middle finger, 3 for the ring finger, 4 for the pinky finger, and T for rare instances that the thumb is used. O represents an open string that is played, and strings marked with an X are not played.

One acoustic guitar chord you will use frequently is G major. This chord uses three fingers of your left hand: the middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string, the index finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and the ring finger on the third fret of the first string. Leave the other three strings open. Then play all six strings, one at a time. You should be able to hear the chord clearly. If you hear buzzing or rattling, adjust your fingers on the frets. Move your finger down the string or try pressing the strings down harder on the fingerboard if the tone sounds off. Check to see that your fingers aren’t touching each other or any of the other strings. Then when all the notes sound in tune, give them a strum all at once. You’ve just played a G-major acoustic guitar chord.

The chord E-minor is considered to have easier fingering than the others. Use your index finger to hold down the fifth string on the second fret and your middle finger to hold down the fourth string on the second fret. Both fingers need to have plenty of room on the fret and can not touch each other. Try the notes out and alter your fingering a bit until it sounds right to you. Finally, strum the E-minor chord. You will note right away the dark sound associated with this acoustic guitar chord. With a little practice, you will have this chord down in no time.

There are only a few basic acoustic guitar chords you need to learn. These include C-major, D-major, A-minor, and A-major. You should familiarize yourself with them by moving back and forth between these acoustic guitar chords. With practice, you will commit them to memory and playing will go more smoothly.

Learning to play acoustic guitar chords will not happen quickly or easily at first and you will have to keep checking your finger placement. But if you continue to practice, practice, practice, the muscle memory will soon take over and you will be moving freely through all of the acoustic guitar chords. In a short time it will become second nature to you.

Last 5 posts by Shane Fenham

• How to buy a cheap acoustic guitar - August 3rd, 2008
• Playing guitar without errors or backache - July 7th, 2008
• Webkins Sectret Codes - July 1st, 2008
• Top 5 beginner acoustic guitar tips - July 1st, 2008
• Which acoustic beginner guitar is best for your budget - June 26th, 2008

Tags: Music