How To Play Guitar For Beginners: Your First Three Chords

Musical aspirants have a true treasure in the shiny new guitar. There are few musical instruments that bring as much enjoyment to the beginner as the guitar. With just a few chords in your fretting hand (that's your left hand if you are right handed) and some natural rhythm in your strumming hand (that's your right hand if you are right handed), you can play a bucket load of simple guitar songs right away.

You'd probably be amazed at how many easy guitar songs you can play if you learn just four chords. OK, even if you learn three chords. In fact, you can even play a few beginner guitar songs if you only know two chords.

And even the simplest guitar songs can sound so good. All you have to do is brush your fingers across the strings, or tap the strings like a drum, or strum them with a pick while playing the three chords you are about to learn. Your beginner status gets instantly obscured by the power of the beautiful sound you are making. You can begin to enjoy the guitar right away. And others will enjoy listening to you play, too.

------------------- Your First Three Chords -------------------

So which chords will open the door to all these songs? Which chords should you learn first? Well, of course opinions will vary on this subject. But I have a strategy for you that is designed to bring you the most fun with your guitar as quickly as possible.

The first three chords that I recommend that you learn are G, C and D (or D7 - Take your pick).

------------------- Play The G Chord -------------------

There are several ways to finger this chord. Here is one that I think will be easiest for you.

* Middle finger on low E string (the fattest string) - third fret.

* Ring finger on the high E string (the skinniest sting) - third fret.

* Index finger on the A string (second fattest string) - second fret.

------------------- Play the C Chord -------------------

* Ring finger on A string (also called the fifth string) - third fret.

* Middle finger on the D string (fourth from the skinniest string) - second fret.

* Index finger on the B string (second skinniest) - first fret.

------------------- Play the D (or D7) Chord -------------------

D chord:

* Index finger on G string (3rd skinniest) - second fret.

* Middle finger on high E string (skinniest) - second fret.

* Ring finger on B string (second skinniest) - third fret.

Or try the D7 chord:

* Middle finger on G string (3rd skinniest) - second fret.

* Ring finger on high E string (skinniest) - second fret.

* Index finger on B string (second skinniest) - first fret.

When playing the D or D7 chord, only strum the four skinniest strings (also called the high strings).

------------------- D or D7? -------------------

Some of the three chord songs will sound better with a D chord. Others will sound better using the D7. As you look at these two chords, you will notice that the shapes they make are mirror images of each other. Visualizing these two triangular shapes on the fingerboard can help you understand how these two chords are related.

------------------- Beatles and More -------------------

With these three chords you can play songs like "Twist and Shout," "Love Me Do," and "Get Back" by the Beatles. You can play traditional songs like "Swing Low Sweet Chariot." And you can roll out some old rock classics like "Hang On Sloopy," "Wild Thing," "Bye Bye Love," and the list goes on and on.

------------------- Easy Transposing -------------------

And here is a little trick that will carry you far. If you happen to find a three-chord song but the chords are not G, C, and D, have no fear. You can probably still play it with the chords you just practiced.

The song is probably in a different key, but your three chords will still work - as long as you know this trick.

For example, if you find "Twist and Shout" written with the chords D, G, and A, well, the D and the G match our three chord group but the A does not. So we have to trade in the whole group. You can easily transpose this song to play instantly with the three chords you already know.

If you find a three-chord song with the chords D, G, and A, simply do this:

* Replace the D with a G.

* Replace the G with a C.

* Replace the A with a D.

This may seem confusing at first since some of these chords are already in our three-chord group. But just follow the instructions and you'll be singing along and recognizing the song instantly.

------------------- What about the strumming hand? -------------------

For now, strum with your own natural rhythm. Have some fun. Explore the guitar with childlike enthusiasm and your guitar will bring you hours and hours of enjoyment. You will discover hundreds if not thousands of simple guitar songs for beginners that you can play as soon as you get comfortable with these three chords. All it takes is three chords to get you going. So please don't just read this and walk away. Go pick up your guitar right now and start playing. Little by little you will discover tons of three chord songs.

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