How to Read Chord Diagrams
Chord diagrams (also called chord boxes) are the maps you will use to learn every chord. They look odd for about ten minutes, then they click forever. Here is how to read one.
What the grid means
A chord diagram is a small grid that shows a slice of the fretboard, as if the guitar were standing upright in front of you:
- Vertical lines are the strings. The thickest string (low E) is on the LEFT, the thinnest (high E) on the right.
- Horizontal lines are the frets. The thick line at the very top is the nut (the end of the neck).
- Dots show where to press your fingers down.
- Numbers on or near the dots tell you which finger to use: 1 = index, 2 = middle, 3 = ring, 4 = pinky.
The symbols above the strings
- O above a string: play that string open (no finger down). It is part of the chord.
- X above a string: do not play that string at all - skip it or lightly mute it.
- A number like 3fr beside the grid: the diagram starts at the 3rd fret instead of the nut.
Reading a real chord
Here is E minor, one of the first chords you will play next lesson, written out:
- Place finger 2 (middle) on the 5th string, 2nd fret.
- Place finger 3 (ring) on the 4th string, 2nd fret.
- Strum all six strings - notice there are no X marks, and the O strings ring open.
Tip: Press strings with your fingertips, right behind the fret wire - not on top of it, and not halfway between frets. This one habit prevents most buzzing.
Practice for this lesson
Look up a chord diagram for E minor, G and C online and compare them to the rules above. Identify every dot, O and X before the next lesson, where you will actually play them.