What are the basic chords I need to learn to play guitar?

Question

I got a guitar for Christmas and I want to teach myself how to play. I think I can teach myself fairly easily. I just want to know what basic chords I should learn first to get me going.

Answer 1

I have played the guitar for 31 years. I now teach music in an elementary school and I do it with 3 chords! I do almost everything with D, A, and G. Once you've got those down, it will take you almost everywhere!

Answer 2

Start with C. Then G (you can play an easy way, using just 1 finger on the 3rd fret, and learn the full chord later). Then D, that's pretty easy. Then A Minor - it's just like C, try switching from C to Am and back again.

With G, C & D you can play a lot of songs!

Next - E minor is easy. Then E major and A major (they're only slightly different then the minor chords)

F is very useful, but harder - but once you know a "bar" chord like F, you can play it on any fret!

Good luck! You might want to buy an "EZ chords book" for your favorite kind of music - you'll be amazed at how quickly you can start playing your favorite songs!

Answer 3

The best way to approach this is to go to your local music store and buy a good chord diagram or chord book. Yes there are plenty of websites that have chord charts. But what are you going to do when you are not in front of a computer? A good chord book is inexpensive and a vital reference to have in your guitar case.

Answer 4

The chords that i use most are D, A, A7, C, G, and sometimes F.
I have been teaching myself guitar for the past 4 yrs. and i think you will enjoy it.

Answer 5

You should learn ABCDEF and G. Learn how to play them minor and major. Learn how to play them in bar chords as well.

Answer 6

Here's a guitar forum so you can get great advice and answers to any guitar question

Answer 7

A,E,G,D .you could play many songs only with those chords.