Lesson 5: 4 String Chords

In this lesson we want to look at your first chords.

In the previous lesson we defined what a chord is, and we looked at 2 string chords - G Major, C Major and D Major. Now we want to look at these same chords in their 4 string version. We're going to do 4 string versions because these are easier to finger than versions that use all 6 strings. With these chords you will be able to start strumming along with simple songs almost right away.

1-4-5 Chord System

It will be helpful to give you a little background chord theory. Songs are usually played in a specific "key", and each key tends to use specific chords. So, for example, when you are playing in the key of G the chords you will use will usually be G Major, C Major and D Major. These are what we refer to as the 1, 4 and 5 chords (or I IV, V). The 1, 4 and 5 designation comes from the root note's position in the Major Scale of that key. G is the first note in the G scale (its root), C is the 4th note in that scale, and D is the 5th note in that scale.

Because this 1-4-5 pattern is so common in popular music, when we introduce new keys we will usually introduce the 1-4-5 chords for that key. Common keys you will run into as a beginning guitarist, and the corresponding sets of chords are as follows:

G Major - G-C-D
C Major - C-F-G
D Major - D-G-A
E Major - E-A-B
A Major - A-D-E

Chords for G Major - on 4 Strings

Play Along Songs in the key of G

The chords are indicated above the staff. We will discuss strumming in the next lesson.