How to read a guitar chord diagram
The six vertical lines represent the strings. The thickest string, low E, is on the left; the thinnest, high E, is on the right. Horizontal lines mark the frets, and the thick line at the top is the nut.
A filled dot tells you where to press a string. The number inside it is a finger: 1 is your index finger, 2 your middle finger, 3 your ring finger, and 4 your pinky. An open circle means play that string without fretting it. A × means leave that string out.
A beginner practice routine for chord shapes
- Start with Em and Am. Place your fingers, then pluck each sounding string separately to check for buzzes or muted notes.
- Add C, G, and D. Say the chord name out loud as you form each shape. Take your hand away, then build it again.
- Try the ten-question chord quiz. Read the diagram and choose a chord name; the feedback explains its notes and formula.
- Practice changing between G, D, Em, and C slowly. Use the metronome only when the changes feel comfortable. Aim for clean, even changes before increasing the tempo.
What makes a chord major or minor?
A major triad contains a root, a major third, and a perfect fifth. A minor triad lowers the third by one semitone. C major is C–E–G; C minor is C–E♭–G. The same three pitch classes can appear in several octaves across the guitar strings.
The quiz begins with open chords. Select Challenge in Practice settings to include barre shapes such as F and Bm, seventh chords, and suspended or added-note chords. The guitar studio shows all sixteen shapes with playback.
Eight open guitar chords to practice first
| Chord | Chord tones | Frets: low E → high E |
|---|---|---|
| C major | C · E · G | × 3 2 0 1 0 |
| D major | D · F♯ · A | × × 0 2 3 2 |
| E major | E · G♯ · B | 0 2 2 1 0 0 |
| G major | G · B · D | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| A major | A · C♯ · E | × 0 2 2 2 0 |
| A minor | A · C · E | × 0 2 2 1 0 |
| D minor | D · F · A | × × 0 2 3 1 |
| E minor | E · G · B | 0 2 2 0 0 0 |
Beginner guitar chord diagrams
Low E is the leftmost string. Finger numbers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 pinky. Play open circles and leave out strings marked ×.
C major
D major
E major
G major
A major
A minor
D minor
E minor
Common questions
Which guitar chords should a beginner learn first?
Em and Am are approachable starting points. Then learn C, G, D, E, and A, adding Dm when those feel familiar. Tonorino’s Foundation quiz covers these eight open shapes.
Do I need a guitar to use the chord quiz?
You can learn to recognize diagrams and listen to chord playback without an instrument. Use a real guitar as well to develop finger placement, clean fretting, and smooth changes.
Does Tonorino listen to my guitar playing?
No. The quiz checks the chord name you select. Chord sounds are synthesized in your browser; there is no microphone assessment.
Make it a little daily habit.
Put the guide into practice with ten questions and feedback after every answer.
Start the guitar chord quiz