Lesson 3 – First Open Chords (E, A, D, Em, Am)
These are your first “real song” chords, used in thousands of tunes.
What Is an Open Chord?
An open chord uses a combination of fretted notes and open strings. These chords are easier to press, ring clearly, and are used in countless songs across all styles.
Chords in This Lesson
- E major – full, bright sound.
- A major – used in rock, pop, and country.
- D major – great for folk and pop progressions.
- E minor – simple, moody, and very easy to play.
- A minor – warm and expressive minor chord.
Finger Placement Tips
- Press just behind the fret, not directly on top of it.
- Use curved fingertips to avoid touching nearby strings.
- Strum slowly and listen for buzzing or muted strings.
- Adjust your thumb position if you need more support.
Chord Practice Ideas
- Strum each chord 4 times, switching slowly and cleanly.
- Try the classic beginner loop: E → A → D.
- Explore minor sounds: Em → Am → Em.
- When ready, play along with a metronome or drum loop.
Downloadable Chord Sheet
Download Lesson 3 – Open Chords (PDF)
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