First Chords To Learn On Guitar: 5 Beginner Guitar Chords & Picking

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Are you new to the guitar but want to sound like a seasoned player? Not something beyond the realm of possibility. The key is to know what to learn and master.

New players should learn these five basic guitar chords to play well:

• G

• Em

• C

• A

• D

In this post, explore the 5 basic chords to learn on the guitar. You will learn how to place your fingers on the fretboard and which string to play. We also look into some basic picking patterns you can use while playing these chords for better sound.

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First Chords To Learn On Guitar

G Major Chord

The G major chord is a staple in countless songs and an essential part of any beginner's repertoire. The G chord offers a rich, full sound that lays the foundation for many guitar songs, making it a great chord for beginners.

Place your fingers on the fretboard in one of two common shapes to play the G major chord. For a traditional G chord shape:

1. Use your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string,
2. Your index finger on the second fret of the A string and
3. Your ring finger is on the third fret of the high E string. 

Alternatively, you can add a slight variation to the traditional G-chord for a fuller sound. Add your pinky finger to the first string on the third fret.

The picking pattern for the G chord is simple yet versatile, perfect for beginner guitar players. The pattern could be described as 6-4-3-6-2-4. You'll start by: 

• plucking the sixth string,
• then move to the fourth and third strings,
• cycle back to the sixth before
• hitting the second and again the fourth string.

This pick pattern can be played using a pick, or you can mix your pick and your fingers (hybrid picking). Play them well, creating a rhythmic, melodic flow that enhances the chord's resonance.

E Minor Chord

E minor chord is a staple chord, one of those essential chords for beginners that you'll use in countless songs. Playing this open chord involves a straightforward finger placement, which is easy for those just starting to learn how to play the guitar.

To play an Em chord, simply place:

• your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string and
• your middle finger alongside it on the second fret of the fourth string.

This allows all six strings to resonate, producing the deep and rich sound characteristic of the E minor chord.

The picking pattern for the E minor chord follows a rhythmic sequence similar to the G chord. The picking pattern remains the same: 6-4-3-6-2-4. Start with the sixth string, then move to the fourth and third strings, loop back to the sixth string, and then play the second and fourth strings.

You can execute this picking pattern using just the pick or with a combination of pick and fingers—a technique known as hybrid picking.

This chord and picking pattern adds depth to your playing and provides a solid foundation for further guitar lessons. As you practice, you'll notice the chord's versatility across various guitar songs, making it an indispensable part of your repertoire.

C Major Chord

Known for its clear, bright sound, the C chord is a favorite among guitar players. It is also one of the most basic chords you can pick up as a beginner player. You form this chord shape by placing the following:

• your index finger on the first fret of the B string,
• your middle finger on the second fret of the D string and
• your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.

This positioning allows you to strum from the fifth string down, omitting the sixth string to produce that classic C major sound. Give that a try and see how the chord rings. 

The picking pattern for the C chord introduces a slight variation from the patterns you might have learned for other chords so far. The pattern can be shortened to this: 5-4-3-5-2-4. You'll start:

• on the fifth string,
• then pick the fourth and third strings,
• return to the fifth string,
• and finally play the second and
• fourth strings.

This sequence enhances the harmonic richness of the C chord, making it resonate beautifully whether you're practicing alone or playing alongside other instruments.

A Major Chord

A is a major chord central to many songs, making it an essential part of your learning journey.

To form the A chord, you'll start by placing:

• Your index finger on the fourth string, on the second fret,
• Your middle finger on the third string, on the second fret, and
• Your ring finger on the second string, on the second fret.

Please give it a strum from the fifth string and hear how the chord rings out. Keeping the first and fifth strings open is crucial to ensure the chord sounds full and clear.

The picking pattern for the A chord is straightforward yet effective, allowing you to practice precision and timing. The picking pattern is similar to the C chord: 5-4-3-5-2-4.

• Begin on the fifth string,
• then pick the fourth and third strings,
• return to the fifth string,
• and finally play the second and fourth strings.

This pattern emphasizes the harmonic structure of the A chord, bringing out its bright, upbeat quality.

For beginners, getting the finger placement right can take some practice, especially ensuring each string sounds clean and unobstructed. You might find it a bit cramped at first, but with time, your fingers will adjust, making it easier to switch chords smoothly.

D Major Chord

With its bright and jangly sound, the D chord is a must for beginner guitar players. Learning to play the D chord is a significant step in your guitar journey, offering a sense of achievement and the ability to play a wider range of songs.

To form the D chord, you'll place:

• your index finger on the second fret of the third string,
• your middle finger on the third fret of the second string and
• your ring finger on the second fret of the first string.

This shape is played by strumming from the fourth string down, ensuring the open fourth string is included to bring out the chord's full, resonant sound.

You can also play an alternate chord by removing the ring finger from the second fret of the first string and leaving it open. Players like to rotate and go back and forth between the traditional and alternate chord shapes when they play.

The picking pattern for the D chord adds texture and rhythm to your playing. The patterns are slightly different here: 4-3-2-4-1-3. You'll start by:

• picking the open fourth string,
• then the third and second strings,
• before returning to the fourth string, and
• moving on to the first, and then
• back to the third string. 

Guitar Chords For Beginner Guitarists

Start your guitar journey by mastering these fundamental chords and their accompanying picking patterns. Each of these five chords lays the foundation for countless songs and genres.

Practice diligently, focusing on clean finger placement and rhythmic picking to enhance your musicality. These chords are not just the basics but the building blocks that will set you up for a rewarding and enduring guitar-playing journey.

Guitar lesson played on the Zager ZAD80CE Acoustic Electric Guitar.  

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