Whether you're a beginner guitarist struggling with your first few chords or an intermediate guitar player trying to learn more, understanding the different types of guitar chords is a big step towards becoming a better musician.
From the bright, happy sound of major chords to the dark, mysterious feel of diminished chords, each type of chord has its own special sound and purpose.
But with so many chords out there, it’s easy to feel confused. So how do you make sense of all these guitar chords?
Don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this complete guide to guitar chords, we’ll take you through all the important types, explaining them in simple words and showing you how to use them in your music.
We’ll start with the basics like major chords and minor chords, and then move on to more advanced ones like seventh chords, suspended chords, and slash chords.
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of all the essential guitar chords and how to mix them into your own playing style.
What are major chords?
Major chords are the foundation of guitar playing and form the basis of many popular songs. These chords have a bright, happy sound that's instantly recognizable. You'll find them in various genres, from rock and pop to country and blues.
How to Form Major Chords?
To create a major chord, you need three essential notes:
The root note
The major third (4 semitones above the root)
The perfect fifth (7 semitones above the root)
Here's a simple table to help you visualize the structure:
Chord Component | Interval from Root |
Root | 0 semitones |
Major Third | 4 semitones |
Perfect Fifth | 7 semitones |
Common Major Chords for Beginners
As you start your guitar journey, you'll encounter these major chords frequently:
C Major
G Major
D Major
A Major
E Major
Each of these chords has a unique fingering pattern on the fretboard. Practice these regularly to build muscle memory and improve your chord transitions.
Importance of Major Chords in Music
Major chords play a crucial role in music composition and performance:
They establish the key of a song
Create a sense of resolution and stability
Form the basis of many chord progressions
Understanding major chords is essential as you explore different types of chords in guitar playing.
They are a basic starting point that helps you learn more advanced chords and understand the basics of music theory.
Tips for Mastering Major Chords
Start with open chords before moving to barre chords
Practice chord changes slowly, then gradually increase speed
Use a metronome to improve timing and rhythm
Focus on clean, crisp sounds without muted strings
Incorporate major chords into simple songs to build confidence
You'll have a solid foundation for your guitar playing by mastering major chords. This knowledge will prove invaluable as you progress to more advanced techniques and explore other chord types.
Next, we'll explore minor chords, which have a different sound and add more variety to your music.
What are minor chords in guitar?
Minor chords are very important for anyone learning to play the guitar. They help make your music sound more emotional and interesting.
These chords have a special sound that many people describe as sad, emotional, or sometimes a bit mysterious.
You will hear minor guitar chords in many types of music, like rock songs, blues music, classical guitar pieces, and jazz guitar songs. If you want to improve your guitar playing skills, learning these chords is a must.
How Minor Chords Are Formed?
To understand minor chords, you need to know their structure:
Root note: The foundation of the chord
Minor third: Three semitones above the root
Perfect fifth: Seven semitones above the root
This structure creates the characteristic minor sound. Here's a comparison of major and minor chord structures:
Chord Type | Root | Third | Fifth |
Major | Root | Major (4 semitones) | Perfect (7 semitones) |
Minor | Root | Minor (3 semitones) | Perfect (7 semitones) |
Common Minor Chords on Guitar
As you progress in your guitar journey, you'll encounter these frequently used minor chords:
A minor (Am)
D minor (Dm)
E minor (Em)
B minor (Bm)
Playing Minor Chords
When you're ready to play minor chords on guitar, follow these simple steps:
Place your fingers in the correct position on the guitar fretboard.
Strum all the strings at the same time.
Make sure every note sounds clear, without any buzzing or muted strings.
Practice switching between different minor guitar chords to build muscle memory and improve your chord transition speed.
Using minor chords in songs
Minor chords are very important for setting the mood and feel of a song. You will often hear minor guitar chords used in:
Verses of emotional ballads
Bridges in popular pop songs
Intros and endings of rock songs
Try mixing minor chords with major chords to create interesting chord progressions that bring out different emotions in your music.
Now that you know how to use minor chords, you can start learning about seventh chords on guitar, which make your playing sound even richer and more advanced.
What are seventh chords in Guitar?
Seventh chords are an important part of your guitar learning journey. They make your music sound richer and more stylish.
These chords are made by adding a seventh note to a simple guitar triad chord, giving them a special sound.
You will hear seventh chords on guitar in many styles of music, including jazz guitar songs, blues music, and even rock guitar tracks.
Types of Seventh Chords
There are four main types of seventh chords you will often see when learning guitar chords:
Dominant 7th chords – Common in blues guitar progressions and rock music
Major 7th chords – Popular in jazz guitar songs and pop music
Minor 7th chords – Used in blues guitar, soul music, and acoustic songs
Diminished 7th chords – Adds tension and drama, often found in classical guitar pieces and jazz compositions
Let’s look at each seventh chord type in more detail.
Dominant 7th
The dominant 7th chord is the most common type of seventh chord in guitar music. You make it by adding a minor seventh note to a major triad chord.
This chord is often used to create tension, which then resolves back to the tonic chord (the main chord of the key). You’ll hear dominant 7th chords in blues progressions, jazz songs, and even some pop and rock music.
Major 7th
A major 7th chord is made by adding a major seventh note to a major triad chord. This chord has a soft, jazzy sound, making it perfect for smooth jazz guitar, romantic ballads, and chill acoustic songs.
You’ll often find major 7th chords on guitar used to create a calm and relaxed feeling in your music.
Minor 7th
The minor 7th chord is made by adding a minor seventh note to a minor triad chord. It has a sad, thoughtful sound that works well in jazz guitar music and R&B songs.
Many minor 7th chords on guitar are used to give music a smooth, emotional feel, making them popular in soul, blues, and even pop music.
Diminished 7th
A diminished 7th chord is made by adding a diminished seventh note to a diminished triad chord. This chord has a very tense and unsettling sound, making it perfect for creating drama or suspense in guitar music.
You’ll often find diminished 7th chords on guitar in classical music, jazz songs, and even in some progressive rock tracks.
Comparison of Seventh Chords
Here’s a quick comparison of the four main types of seventh chords you’ll come across when learning guitar chords:
Chord Type | Structure | Character | Common Use |
Dominant 7th | Major triad + minor 7th | Tense, resolving | Blues, rock, jazz |
Major 7th | Major triad + major 7th | Smooth, jazzy | Ballads, jazz |
Minor 7th | Minor triad + minor 7th | Melancholic | Jazz, R&B |
Diminished 7th | Diminished triad + diminished 7th | Very tense | Dramatic passages |
Playing Seventh Chords on Guitar
When you're learning to play seventh chords on guitar, it's best to start with dominant 7th chords because they are the most common.
Here are some simple tips to help you:
Start with open position seventh chords like G7 chord, C7 chord, and A7 chord
Practice switching between seventh chords and their related triad chords
Try different chord voicings to hear how the same chord can sound in new ways
Play seventh chords in your favorite songs to understand how they fit into real music.
Learning seventh guitar chords takes time and regular practice. If these chords feel tricky at first, don’t worry! With patience, you’ll soon be able to use these rich, complex chords in your songs.
Now that you know about seventh chords, you can move on to another important type — sixth chords.
These chords add even more variety and depth to your music, helping you create interesting chord progressions and beautiful harmonies.
What Are Sixth Chords?
Sixth chords are a fun and colorful addition to your guitar chord repertoire. You create them by adding a major sixth interval to either a major triad or minor triad.
This gives sixth chords on guitar a unique sound that feels both rich and a little mysterious.
You’ll often hear major sixth chords in jazz guitar, soul music, and pop ballads, while minor sixth chords add a haunting quality to blues and folk songs.
Learning to use 6th chords on guitar can make your playing more creative and expressive.
How to Form Sixth Chords?
To play a sixth chord on guitar, you start with a simple major chord or minor chord and then add the sixth note of the scale.
For example:
C major chord: C - E - G
C6 chord: C - E - G - A
The added sixth note (A, in this case) gives the C6 chord a richer, more interesting sound.
You can use 6th chords to make your guitar chord progressions sound smoother and more creative.
Types of Sixth Chords
There are two main types of sixth chords you’ll often see when learning guitar chords:
Major sixth chords (like C6 chord) – These have a warm, pleasant sound often used in pop, jazz, and acoustic guitar songs.
Minor sixth chords (like Cm6 chord) – These have a slightly sad or haunting sound, perfect for blues guitar or folk music.
Learning both types of 6th chords on guitar will give you more options to create interesting chord progressions in your songs.
Chord Type | Formula | Example (C chord) |
Major Sixth | 1 - 3 - 5 - 6 | C - E - G - A |
Minor Sixth | 1 - b3 - 5 - 6 | C - Eb - G - A |
Common Sixth Chord Shapes
Here are some common sixth chord shapes you can practice on your guitar:
C6: x32210
A6: x02222
D6: xx0202
G6: 320000
When to Use Sixth Chords?
Sixth chords can make your guitar playing sound smoother and more stylish. You’ll often find 6th chords used in:
Jazz chord progressions
Blues turnarounds
Pop ballads and rock ballads
Country guitar songs
They work especially well when you want to add color to a major chord without creating the strong tension that seventh chords bring.
Adding sixth chords on guitar is a great way to make your chord progressions more creative and expressive.
Tips for Playing Sixth Chords
To get comfortable with sixth chords on guitar, here are a few easy ways to practice:
Switch between regular major chords and minor chords and their sixth chord versions, like moving from C major to C6 chord.
Try finger picking patterns that highlight the added sixth note.
Use 6th chords as passing chords to connect other chords in your chord progressions.
Listen to popular songs with sixth chords to hear how they’re used in real music.
The more you practice, the more you’ll hear 6th chords in famous songs across jazz, blues, pop, and country music.
Whether you’re strumming or picking melodies, sixth chords add a beautiful, smooth touch to your playing.
Next, we’ll explore suspended chords, another cool type of guitar chord that adds tension and release to your chord progressions.
What Are Suspended Chords?
Suspended chords, also known as sus chords, are a special type of guitar chord that creates a feeling of tension and excitement in your music.
Unlike major chords or minor chords, suspended chords have a more open, unclear sound — they don’t sound completely happy or sad.
They’re called suspended chords because they leave the listener waiting for the next chord to bring a sense of resolution.
Suspended chords on guitar are perfect for adding variety and movement to your chord progressions, especially in pop songs, rock ballads, and acoustic guitar playing.
Types of Suspended Chords
There are two main types of suspended chords you’ll come across when learning guitar chords:
Sus4 chords – These replace the 3rd note of a major chord with the 4th note, creating a bright, unresolved sound.
Sus2 chords – These replace the 3rd note with the 2nd note, giving a softer, open feel.
Both types of sus chords on guitar are great for adding tension and movement in your chord progressions.
Sus4 Chords
Sus4 chords are formed by replacing the 3rd note of a major chord with the 4th note of the scale. This gives the sus4 chord a slightly tense, unresolved sound, which naturally wants to move back to the major chord.
You’ll often hear sus4 chords on guitar in pop songs, rock ballads, and even acoustic guitar progressions, where they create a sense of movement and anticipation.
Sus2 Chords
Sus2 chords, on the other hand, replace the third with the second note of the scale. These chords have a more open, airy quality compared to sus4 chords.
How to Play Suspended Chords on Guitar?
Playing suspended chords on guitar is easy once you know your basic major chord shapes. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:
For a sus4 chord, take a regular major chord and move your finger from the 3rd fret to the 4th fret on the B string.
For a sus2 chord, remove your finger from the 3rd fret and place it on the 2nd fret of the high E string.
With just these small changes, you can add suspended chords into your chord progressions to create tension and release in your music.
Common Suspended Chords on Guitar
Here's a table of some common suspended chords and their finger positions:
Chord | Fingering (low E to high E) |
Asus4 | X-0-2-2-3-0 |
Dsus4 | X-X-0-2-3-3 |
Esus4 | 0-2-2-2-0-0 |
Asus2 | X-0-2-2-0-0 |
Dsus2 | X-X-0-2-3-0 |
Esus2 | 0-2-2-4-0-0 |
Suspended chords can make your guitar playing sound more interesting and expressive. Here are some easy ways to use sus chords on guitar:
Use them as passing chords between two major chords.
Add them right before a major chord to create tension that feels satisfying when resolved.
Try adding sus chords to your strumming patterns for a richer sound.
Play them in arpeggios to give your melodies a fresh twist.
By learning how to use suspended chords, you’ll unlock new ways to make your chord progressions stand out. They’re especially popular in rock, folk, and acoustic guitar songs, but you can use them in any style to add color and keep your music interesting.
Next, let’s explore diminished chords, which bring even more tension and mystery to your music.
What Are Diminished Chords?
Diminished chords are special, tension-filled chords that bring a sense of mystery and drama to your music.
These chords are made by stacking two minor thirds on top of each other, which creates a dissonant sound that feels like it needs to resolve to a more stable chord.
Because of their unsettling sound, diminished chords are often used in jazz, classical, and even rock music to create suspense and lead into the next part of a song.
Structure of Diminished Chords
A diminished chord is made up of three notes:
The root note (the starting note of the chord)
A minor third (which is 3 frets higher than the root)
A diminished fifth (which is 6 frets higher than the root)
This unique structure, where each note is exactly a minor third apart, gives diminished chords their tense and unsettled sound. The simple formula for a diminished chord is 1 - ♭3 - ♭5.
Types of Diminished Chords
There are two main types of diminished chords you’ll come across when learning guitar chords:
Diminished Triads – These are basic three-note chords with a tense, unstable sound.
Diminished Seventh Chords – These are four-note chords that add even more tension by including a diminished seventh note.
Both types of diminished chords are useful for adding drama and leading into other chords in your guitar playing.
Chord Type | Structure | Example (C dim) |
Diminished Triad | Root, ♭3, ♭5 | C, E♭, G♭ |
Diminished Seventh | Root, ♭3, ♭5, ♭♭7 | C, E♭, G♭, A |
How to play Diminished Chords on Guitar?
To play diminished chords on your guitar, follow these steps:
Start with the root note on the low E string.
Place your first finger on the root note.
Use your second finger to press the minor third on the A string.
Place your third finger on the diminished fifth on the D string.
For a diminished seventh chord, use your pinky to add the extra note (♭♭7) on the G string.
Practicing these guitar chord shapes will help you smoothly add diminished chords into your playing.
Common Uses of Diminished Chords
Diminished chords are very useful in guitar playing and can be used in different ways:
As passing chords to smoothly connect two other chords.
To create tension before moving to a major chord or minor chord.
In jazz chord progressions to add a rich, complex sound.
To modulate between keys, helping you smoothly shift from one key to another.
By understanding how to use diminished chords, you can make your chord progressions sound more interesting and professional.
By using diminished chords in your playing, you can make your chord progressions sound richer and more interesting.
Try practicing these chords in different places on the fretboard so you get used to how they sound and how to play them.
As you keep learning different guitar chords, you’ll see that diminished chords are a great way to show strong emotions and create unique musical ideas in your songs.
What are slash chords in guitar?
Slash chords, also called split chords, are a special type of chord that can make your guitar playing sound more interesting. They are written with a forward slash ( / ) between two notes — for example, C/G or Am/F.
The first note (before the slash) is the main chord you play.
The second note (after the slash) is the bass note, meaning the lowest note you should play.
These chords give your music a richer sound and help connect different chords smoothly.
How to Play Slash Chords?
Playing a slash chord is easier than it sounds! Here’s how you do it:
Form the main chord (the first part of the slash chord, like C in C/G).
Make sure the lowest (bass) note you play is the one after the slash (like G in C/G).
Strum the rest of the chord as usual.
This technique adds variety and smooth transitions between chords.
Slash Chord | Main Chord | Bass Note |
C/G | C Major | G |
Am/F | A Minor | F |
D/F# | D Major | F# |
Em/B | E Minor | B |
Why use Slash Chords?
Slash chords are super useful on guitar, and here’s why:
They create smooth bass lines. Adding a specific bass note helps connect chords smoothly.
They add tension and flavor. The unexpected bass note can make your progressions sound richer and more interesting.
They make transitions easier. Sometimes, a slash chord helps your fingers flow naturally from one chord to the next.
They highlight key notes. You can emphasize a particular note to match the melody or create a certain mood.
Famous Songs That Use Slash Chords
You’ve probably already heard slash chords in some of your favorite songs! Here are a few popular examples:
"Wonderwall" by Oasis – Uses Em7/F# to create smooth transitions.
"Let It Be" by The Beatles – Features C/G, adding depth to the classic progression.
"Hotel California" by Eagles – Includes Bm/A, adding that signature smooth bass movement.
These songs show how slash chords can make chord progressions sound more polished and professional — even if the chords themselves are simple!
Why You Should Learn Slash Chords?
Adding slash chords to your playing can do so much for your overall guitar skills. They can:
Expand your chord vocabulary — You’ll have more creative options at your fingertips.
Improve your understanding of harmony — You’ll start seeing how bass notes and chords work together.
Help you create smoother, more interesting progressions — Great for songwriting!
Add a professional touch to your arrangements — Slash chords give your playing that polished, pro sound.
Now that you’ve got a solid grasp on slash chords, you’re ready to dive into another important piece of the puzzle — triad chords.
These simple, three-note chords are the building blocks of so many songs, and they’re essential for every guitarist to know.
What are triad chords in guitar?
Now that we’ve explored all kinds of interesting chords, let’s take a step back and focus on the core building blocks of guitar harmony — triads.
Triads are the simplest type of chord, made up of just three notes. Even though they’re basic, they form the foundation for almost every chord you’ve learned so far — from major and minor chords to more advanced seventh and extended chords.
The Four Main Types of Triads
Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of triads you’ll encounter:
Triad Type | Formula | Example (C) |
Major | 1-3-5 | C-E-G |
Minor | 1-b3-5 | C-Eb-G |
Diminished | 1-b3-b5 | C-Eb-Gb |
Augmented | 1-3-#5 | C-E-G# |
What Makes Up a Triad?
Every triad is built using these three components:
Root note – The note that gives the chord its name (like C in a C chord).
Third – Either major (happy) or minor (sad), which determines the chord’s basic character.
Fifth – Usually a perfect fifth, adding stability to the chord.
Understanding triads is absolutely essential if you want to master more advanced chords and fully understand how music works on the guitar.
Triads are the foundation for building more complex chords like sevenths, extended chords, and even slash chords. Once you’re comfortable with triads, you’ll find it much easier to break down chord progressions, create harmonies, and even compose your own songs.
Whether you’re playing rock, jazz, blues, pop, or classical, triads are everywhere — from the simplest campfire song to intricate jazz compositions.
By learning how triads work and how to play them across the fretboard, you’ll unlock a deeper understanding of harmony and gain the tools to confidently navigate any musical style.
How to Play Triads on Guitar?
One of the best things about triads is their flexibility — you can play them in different positions all across the fretboard. On guitar, triads can be played on adjacent string sets, such as:
Strings 1, 2, 3 (high strings – great for lead and melody playing)
Strings 2, 3, 4 (middle strings – great for rhythm work)
Strings 3, 4, 5 (lower strings – useful for chunkier rhythms)
Examples of Basic Triad Shapes
Here are a few essential triad shapes every guitarist should know (for a C major chord):
Root Position (Root on 1st string)E|---0--- (G)B|---1--- (E)G|---0--- (C)This is a high-register C major triad.
Root Position (Root on 3rd string)E|-------B|---5--- (E)G|---5--- (C)D|---5--- (G)A|-------E|-------
Root Position (Root on 5th string)E|-------B|-------G|---5--- (C)D|---5--- (G)A|---3--- (C)E|-------
Why Triads Are Essential
Triads aren’t just for beginners — pro players rely on them constantly for rhythm playing, lead embellishments, and even complex chord progressions. Knowing your triads all over the fretboard helps you:
Visualize chord shapes better
Move smoothly between chords
Create harmonized melodies
Add color and variety to your rhythm playing
Triads in Different Musical Styles
Pop & Rock: Triads on the high strings help cut through the mix in both clean and overdriven settings.
Blues: Combining triads with passing notes adds melodic interest to lead lines.
Jazz: Triads form the basis of more advanced chord extensions like 7ths, 9ths, and 13ths.
Acoustic Folk: Triads allow you to create lighter, more open-sounding progressions.
Practice Tips for Triads
Practice moving the same triad shape up and down the neck to see how it functions in different keys.
Combine triads with bass notes to create mini chord progressions.
Use triads to outline chord changes in solos — a common trick used by jazz and country guitarists.
Try arpeggiating triads to create melodic picking patterns.
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