Select a root note and chord type to see the fingering diagram.
Root Note
Chord Type
C Major
Related Chords
How to Use Guitar Chord Diagrams
Chord diagrams show you exactly where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Vertical lines represent strings (low E on the left, high e on the right), and horizontal lines represent frets. Filled circles show where to press down, numbers inside indicate which finger to use, and symbols above the nut show whether a string is open (○) or muted (✕).
Reading Chord Diagrams
Vertical lines = strings. Horizontal lines = frets. Dots show finger placement. Numbers in dots (1=index, 2=middle, 3=ring, 4=pinky). A thick top line means you start at the first fret (nut).
Using a Capo
A capo clamps across all strings at a given fret, raising the pitch. You can use open chord shapes with a capo to play in any key — making barre chords unnecessary for many situations.
Chord Transitions
Practice moving between chords slowly. Identify shared finger positions to minimize movement. Anchoring a finger that stays in place between chords dramatically speeds up transitions.
An X above the nut means that string should not be played — either by muting it with a fretting finger or by avoiding it with your strumming hand. Playing a muted string can cause buzzing and muddiness in the chord.
A barre chord (or bar chord) is played by pressing your index finger flat across multiple strings at the same fret, acting like a movable capo. This allows you to play chord shapes anywhere on the neck. Common barre shapes are based on E and A open chord forms moved up the neck.
Technically thousands, but in practice you only need a few dozen to play most songs. The most essential are major, minor, and seventh chords across all 12 root notes. Mastering open chords first (C, D, E, G, A, Am, Em, Dm) gives you a strong foundation for any style.
The easiest chords to start with are Em, E, Am, A, and D — they use only 2-3 fingers and sit in the first 3 frets. G and C are slightly harder but extremely common. Avoid barre chords until you have built finger strength with open chords.
Music Pro Tips
5 Things Experts Know
01
The I chord never "needs" resolution
Most beginners end every phrase on the I chord. Try ending on the vi instead — it leaves the listener slightly unsettled in a way that pulls them forward.
02
Tension lives on the 7th fret
The tritone (b5/♯4) is the most dissonant interval in Western music. Use it deliberately in a leading chord before resolution for maximum emotional impact.
03
Chord voicing beats chord choice
Playing a Cmaj7 in first inversion (E on the bass) sounds more interesting than a basic C major. Voicing transforms ordinary progressions into something memorable.
04
Use the ii chord more
The ii minor chord (e.g., Dm in C major) is underused. It prepares the V chord beautifully and adds a bittersweet quality that I and IV alone cannot achieve.
05
Rhythmic displacement changes everything
Play the same 4 chords but shift the rhythm by an eighth note. The progression feels entirely new without changing a single note. Rhythm is harmony's secret weapon.