A chord is defined as a combination of usually three or more musical tones sounded simultaneously. If the notes on the previous example are played at the same time you get a G chord. Let’s see how that would look like in a TAB.



G Chord

Fretbox Diagrams

Also known as Chord Boxes, it is used to show chord shapes and scale patterns. It represents the guitar as viewed from head on (see below).





The Seven Main Guitar Chords

There are 7 main chords you must learn in order to play the guitar. Namely A, B, C, D, E, F, G. These are also called major chords.

We’ll use them all for illustration purposes. The horizontal lines separate the frets on the guitar. The vertical lines are the strings. The x above the box indicates that the string should not be played and the o indicates that the string should be played open. The numbers represents the fingers recommended to make the chord shape and sometimes they are not shown at all. You can play with whichever finger you like.

The A Major Chord

The B Major Chord

The C Major Chord

The D Major Chord

The E Major Chord

The F Major Chord

(Alternative) G Major Chord


Tip:

If you are having difficulties in holding down chords try instead of placing your fingers in the middle of the fret, try pressing down just below or above the actual fret itself.

This makes it easier to hold chords, takes less pressure to hold down and most of all, allows you to last longer when you play songs.

Barre Chords

How to read guitar tabs: The Basic Understanding
Basic Guitar Tuning
How to play guitar tabs: Single Notes
How to play Chords on Guitar Tabs
Barre Chords
Power Chords
Strumming
Hammer-ons and Pull-offs
Slides and Variations
Bends
Vibrato, Palm Muting, Rake, Harmonics, Tapping, Using a Capo
Play Guitar Blog
Download How To Read Guitar Tabs Reference