Beginner guide
The 8 open chords to learn first
Open chords use at least one open string, so they ring without a barre. These eight cover a huge amount of beginner music, and they are the foundation for the barre chords later.
Why these eight
C, G, D, A, E, Am, Em and Dm appear in a huge range of beginner songs. They use the same small set of shapes, and they teach the two most important skills: pressing cleanly and changing on time. You do not need a capo, a barre or a music-reading habit to start.
Before you start, tune the guitar. Once the shapes feel familiar, add a strumming pattern.
C
C major
G
G major
D
D major
A
A major
E
E major
Am
A minor
Em
E minor
Dm
D minor
The order to learn them
- Em and C — Em is the easiest shape, C trains the finger arch.
- G and D — both use open strings and pair naturally with C.
- A and Am — one finger moves between them; great for changes.
- E and Dm — E is the template for barre chords; Dm is a compact minor shape.
Do not learn all eight in one day. Learn two, practise the change between them, then add the next. The 30-day plan sequences this for you.
The first progression
In C major, start with C–G–Am–Em using the eight chords on this page. When F arrives, C–G–Am–F is the I–V–vi–IV progression. Play it slowly, one strum per chord, and listen for dead strings. If a chord buzzes, fix it before increasing the tempo. The progression guide lets you hear the same loop in every key. You can also print the 8-chord chart and keep it next to your practice spot.
What to practise
- One-minute changes between two chords, counting only clean changes.
- Strum once per chord before trying a pattern.
- Check each string on its own; a chord is only clean when every string rings.
- Stop when your hand hurts; fingertip soreness is normal, sharp pain is not.
Stuck on a buzzing string?
Use the six-cause checklist before pressing harder.
Frequently asked questions
Which 8 open chords should a beginner learn first?
C, G, D, A, E, Am, Em and Dm. They cover most beginner songs and use open strings, so they ring easily and do not require a barre.
How long does it take to learn 8 chords?
Most people can finger all eight within a few weeks. Making them ring cleanly and changing between them takes longer — weeks to months, depending on practice time.
Should I learn F before these eight?
No. Learn the open chords first. F is a barre chord and is easier once your fingers already know how to press cleanly and change shape.
Why does one string sound dead?
Usually a finger is touching the next string or sitting too far from the fret. Use the clean-chord checklist to find the cause before pressing harder.
What can I play with only these chords?
A lot. C–G–Am–Em, G–D–Em–C and D–A–G–A all use chords from this page. Add F and Bm later as barre chords, then try C–G–Am–F. Start slowly and play one strum per chord.