Open chords are usually the first harmonic vocabulary a guitarist learns.
They form the backbone of countless songs and styles, and they’re worth learning properly.
This chart brings the most commonly used open major and minor chords together in a clear, playable format.
The Chords Covered
The diagram includes:
- C, D, E, G and A major
- D, E and A minor
These are the shapes most players encounter early on and continue using long after the beginner stage.
Root Notes
Each chord shows its root note clearly:
- Blue dots indicate the root note for major chords
- Red dots indicate the root note for minor chords
Keeping track of the root helps tie chord shapes to actual notes on the fretboard, rather than treating them as abstract finger patterns.
Muted Strings
Some strings are marked with an X, meaning they should be muted. And the most effective way to do this is by gently touching these strings with your thumb.
These markings guide which strings are intended to sound and which should be kept silent, keeping the harmony focused and uncluttered.
Fingerings
Suggested finger numbers appear on the right of each chord shape.
These fingerings are designed to support comfortable hand positioning and smoother chord changes, especially when moving between common open shapes.
1 = index
2 = middle
3 = ring
4 = pinky
How to Use This Chart
- Place your fingers one by one and memorize the shapes
- Make sure muted strings stay silent
- Check that the individual notes are clearly audible
- Focus on clean transitions between chords
Accuracy here pays off later when these shapes connect to barre chords, triads and arpeggios.
Helpful Next Steps
If you want to expand beyond open chords while keeping a structured approach:
-
Only Guitar
A complete guitar atlas with all the chord, scale & arpeggio shapes you'd ever need.
👉 See book here -
OnlyChords
A focused way to understand how chord shapes are formed all across the neck.
👉 See book here
A Guitar Fretboard Chart poster can also help visualise where these root notes and chord tones sit across the entire neck.
Read This Next
FAQs
Are these the only open chords I need to know?
They’re the most common starting point. The bread & butter for most guitar players. Many other chords build directly from these shapes.
Why are some strings muted?
Not every string is intended to sound in every chord shape. Starting out, it is advised to play chords with the root not being the lowest pitch.
Should I follow the fingerings exactly?
They’re recommended, especially early on, but comfort and control matter most.
Do these chords work for styles beyond pop and rock?
Yes. Open chords appear in folk, blues, country, acoustic styles and more. Even metal songs often use open chords in intros and breakdowns.
Summary
This Open Chords 101 chart presents the essential open major and minor chords in a clear, playable format.
By paying attention to root notes, muted strings and fingerings, you build a solid harmonic foundation that carries over into every later stage of guitar playing.