How To Play Guitar
Beginner Guitar Chords Using Only Three Strings
Learning guitar chords can be intimidating for a beginner. That’s why in today’s post I want to show you three different 3 string guitar chords. Two of these chords are what we could call half of the full major 6 string chord and are an easy way to get started with strumming multiple strings and switching between chords.
Take your time when learning the D7 chord, the shape can be difficult to make at first on the fret board, but with time it will become easier. A quick mention of the tablature I’ve used to explain the chords below. X’s stand for strings that are not to be strummed, numbers represent the fret number to play on a particular string and 0’s stand for strings to be played open without any frets being pressed.
Beginner C Chord
E — 0 —
B — 1 —
G — 0 —
D — X —
A — X —
E — X —
To play this beginner chord place your first finger on the first fret of the B string, remember to use your finger tip, and strum the bottom three strings.
Beginner G Chord
E — 3 —
B — 0 —
G — 0 —
D — X —
A — X —
E — X —
To play this chord, like the C chord, you only need to use one finger. Press the third fret of the E string down with your 3rd finger and strum the bottom 3 strings.
Beginner D7 Chord
E — 1 —
B — 2 —
G — 1 —
D — X —
A — X —
E — X —
This chord requires you to use three fingers at once, so give it some time to feel right and don’t be frustrated if it doesn’t sound exactly right the first time. Place your second finger on the 1st fret of the E string, your third finger on the 2nd fret of the B string and your first finger on the 1st fret of the G string.
This is the intro to playing chords. Starting playing the chords one at a time before you try switching between them. Switching chord while continuing to strum takes some practice and you’ll get there but don’t try to rush yourself to quickly.
Below is a video that goes over these three chords again and also explains the best method to practice them.
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January 21, 2010 at 7:30 am | Learn Guitar Chords | 7 comments
In my opinion, nothing can replace private instruction, but it’s great to have so many videos online to help learn the guitar.
One day I was staying at home and thinking about the chord definition. So, after some time the right thing came into my mind.
1. When you play a single note – it’s a note.
2. When you play two notes – it’s an interval.
3. But when you play three or more notes – it’s a chord!
Thank you for a nice lesson.
That beginner C chord is something I would never have thought to play, but yea, I guess it still constitutes as a chord. Way to blow my mind! haha
Always nice to have videos to teach us:)
Yeah videos are good but nothing beats private tuition. They are helpful though and you need all the help you can get.
Great lesson. For anyone reading this, did you know that there are thousands of songs you can play just be learning 3 simple guitar chords! Get stuck into it, you will be cranking out some great tunes in no time.
3 chords is all you need to get started cranking out some killer tunes. Get into it.