How to Play Major Chords on a Guitar
What are major chords? In musical theory, these chords are the ones which have a root, a major third and a perfect fifth. With these three notes being played in a single chord, it’s called a major triad. When it comes to playing these major chords on a guitar, you must know that there are seven major ones in total. They range from A to G major and they are extremely easy to play. Theory of guitar is similar to all other instruments, but rather than using notations to confuse yourself, you can always employ the fret number for your convenience.
Instructions
-
1
A major chord
The A major chord can be played by using three fingers. In a custom six stringed guitar which has a standard tuning of E A D G B E, you can put three fingers on the second fret of the D, G and B string. E, A and the other E must be left free, or ringing, so that you can play an A major chord. (0 0 2 2 2 0) -
2
B major chord
Every player has his own way of playing the B major chord. In order to play the B major chord when your guitar is tuned to standard, simply put your index finger on the second fret of the A string. Put your ring finger on the fourth fret of the D string and lastly, place your little finger on the fourth fret of G. A few people leave the last two strings ringing, while a few mute them for a power chord effect. (X 2 4 4 X X) or (0 2 4 4 0 0) -
3
C major chord
The C major chord can be played by putting your ring finger on the third fret of A string. On D, place your middle finger on the second fret. Leave the G string ringing and put your index finger on the first fret of B. The last string, E, can either be left ringing or can be muted. (X 3 2 0 1 0) -
4
D major chord
The D major chord can be played by muting the first two strings, leaving D open, putting your index finger on the second fret of G. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the B string and using your middle finger to hold the second fret of E. (X X 0 2 3 2) -
5
E major chord
It is the easiest chord to play. Simply let the first string ring, hold down the second frets of A and D and put your index finger on the first fret of G. Let all other strings ring as well. (0 2 2 1 0 0) -
6
F major chord
It is probably the most difficult chord to play. You have to bar the first fret, which means you hold down the first frets of all the strings at once. Then hold down the third frets of strings A and D. Use your middle finger to press the second fret of the G string. (1 3 3 2 1 1) -
7
G major chord
This chord has the happiest sound. Place your middle finger on the third fret of E and your index finger on the second fret of A. Let D and G strings ring and hold down the third frets of B and E. (3 2 0 0 3 3)
