Reading Chord Diagrams

Chord diagrams (sometimes called grids or boxes) are the standard way of showing how to play a chord on the guitar, so it is important to know how to read them.

The horizontal lines represent strings. The lowest is the E (6th) string - (the thickest wound string).

The Vertical lines represent frets.

The numbered dots show where to put your fingers. Fingers are numbered 1 to 4, the index finger (nearest the thumb) is number 1, the little finger is number 4.

In the diagram above (an E Major chord):

• the 1st finger holds down the 3rd string at the 1st fret,
• the 2nd finger holds down the 5th string at the 2nd fret
• and the 3rd finger holds down the 4th string at the 2nd fret.
• The small 0s show which strings should be played open (unfretted).

Now strum all the strings and you have an E Major chord.