COMPLETE TUTORIAL of the Major Chords for Guitar: How they are Formed and Basic Positions. Large size images.
Major Guitar Chords for Beginners
The Major Chords are made up of three notes, the Tonic (1st) that gives its name to the chord, the Dominant (5th) and the Mediant (3rd). For example: to get a C Major chord we need a C (1st), a G (5th note of the C Major scale) and an E (3rd note of the C Major scale).
We will start by practicing three chords open: G – D – C. A simple sequence, but one that sounds very good, and widely used in many songs like “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan.
G Major Chord
G Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 G – 3 B – 5 D
D Major Chord
D Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 D – 3 F# – 5 A
Major Chords Guitar: C Major
C Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 C – 3 E – 5 G
If we name the notes of the same tone with numbers, the sequence would be 1st – 5th – 4th. Since the previous chord sequence is in the tone of G, if we count the notes from G it would be:
Key of G Major
If instead of playing G – D – C, we play G – C – D (1st – 4th – 5th), we will have another very popular chord sequence.
The G tone integrates an F# (F sharp) to respect the intervals between note and note. But both the note variations of each tone, as well as the intervals (although it is basic and essential), I will explain it to you later, to go little by little.
Primary and Secondary Guitar Chords
The chords of any key, which are in position 1st – 4th – 5th of a Major scale, are called Primary Chords, due to their consonance between them.
The rest of the chords are called Secondary Chords. But the “secondary” thing is a way of calling it. Since the latter bring mystery and movement to the music, removing it from the linearity of the primary chords.
This is another chord sequence (but with the same structure as the previous one) in a different key, in D:
Key of D Major
Major Chords Guitar: D Major
D Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 D – 3 F# – 5 A
G Major Chord
G Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 G – 3 B – 5 D
Major Chords Guitar: A Major
A Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 A – 3 C# – 5 E
In the D Major chord (above), the open 5th string is crossed out, but if it is played, nothing happens, since it is a note from which the chord is composed, an A.
C Tone: this Tone is the only one that does not have any variation (sharp or flat).
Key of C Major
C Major Chord
C Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 C – 3 E – 5 G
F Major Chord
F Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 F – 3 A – 5 C
Major Chords Guitar: G Major
G Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 G – 3 B – 5 D
We can also place the C major chord with the low note (6th string) in G, and the chord would be called C over G (C/G).
C/G Chord Guitar
C/G Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 C – 3E – 5 G
It can also be replaced in the G chord, the B note of the second string, by a D on that same string. Two chords widely used in these different forms (image below).
Different G Major Chord
G Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 G – 3 B – 5 D
Key of E Major
Major Chords Guitar: E Major
E Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 E – 3 G# – 5 B
A Major Chord
A Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 A – 3 C# – 5 E
B Major Chord
B Major Chord Consists of Three Notes: 1 B – 3 D# – 5 F#
The B Major chord can only be placed as a barre chord at the second fret, and it would have the same structure as the A Major, but two frets further forward in the direction of the body of the guitar.
Note: in the B Major chord, it can be seen how we can use the little finger to put pressure on the third finger, and thus be able to press more forcefully and comfortably.
Complete Menu of Major Chords for Guitar in Different Positions, to be used in Different parts of the Fretboard. In the reference glossary that appears below, you have all the possible tonalities in 14 different types of chords. There will be no major chord for guitar that will resist you.