Open Major Chords

One of the simplest and most common types of chords is the major chord. Major chords have a very harmonious, uncomplicated sound. As a result, they’re used in virtually every style of music, from rock to blues to folk to country. The major chords in this section are played in open position, meaning that one or more of the strings you strum is not fretted. Open-position chords (also known as open chords) are the easiest type of chords to play.

In gig set lists and chord charts, major chords are generally referred to by their letter name only, so the word major is omitted. For instance, C major is usually just referred to as C. The example chords below have all been used by artists as diverse as Buddy Holly, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, Queen, and Led Zeppelin. Follow the tips that precede the chords as you practice each one.

Don’t strum the 6th (lowest) string. You may find it tricky to squeeze three fingers together in a row like this.

C is more difficult because one of the open strings occurs between the fretted notes.

This version of the open C chord has a slightly fuller sound due to the high G note, which is added by the little finger. It’s often used by folk-rock acoustic players such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon.

Most players think of D as a triangle shape on the neck. Avoid strumming the 5th and 6th strings.

E has a rich, full sound because it contains three open notes, and you can strum all six strings.

This chord can also be moved up to the 6th, 8th, 11th, and 13th frets while strumming the open strings.

Though not strictly an open chord, this F chord is shown here because of its 1st-fret position. Note that the 1st finger is flattened across two strings in a barre.

G is another full-sounding chord, but it can take work to master the stretch between the 2nd and 3rd fingers. Be sure not to mute any of the open strings.

Some guitarists play a G chord with four fingers, as shown here. It gives more of a rock feel, and you’ll see it played by Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, among many others.