View the all the basic guitar lessons here
This is the 3rd lesson in my basics of guitar series. In the first lesson, we learned how to hold the guitar, how to read chord diagrams, and how to play our first chord, the D chord. The second lesson covered the main chords used in the key of G: G, C, D, and Em.
In this lesson, you’ll learn the four most used chords in the key of A Major: the A chord, the E chord, the D chord, and the F#m chord.
How to play the chords
(click chord diagram images to see a larger view)
I like to stagger my fingers by using my 2nd finger on the D string (2nd fret), first finger on the G string (2nd fret), and third finger on the B string (2nd fret). All your fingers are on the same fret, so there wont be a lot of room. I make a sort of triangle with my fingers where the 1 finger sits behind the 2 and 3 fingers.
E is a pretty easy chord. It’s a lot like the Em we learned in the last lesson, only you put your one finger on the D string (first fret). This make the chord a major rather than a minor.
F#m is one of the first moderately difficult chord you’ll learn as a beginner. Typically it’s played as a barre chord, but this open version is much easier to play. Place your 3rd and 4th fingers on the A and D strings (4th fret), and then stretch your 1st finger down to the G string (2nd fret). Make sure not to let your index finger touch the B or high E strings.
I’ve covered the D chord in the previous two lessons, so if you need more guidance on this chord, please refer to the initial lesson.
Songs to play using these chords
- Mighty To Save (Hillsong)
- You Never Let Go (Matt Redman) – use key of A chord chart
- Blessed Be Your Name (Matt Redman) – use key of A chord chart
I am on my 3rd tutorial. I know I am supposed to mute the E string but it is really hard for me to do. Any suggestions. Ok…and then I know I need to memorize this all. Do I memorize the diagrams, chords and the sound of the chord or just the chords and the sound? (Meaning, the diagram is just to help learn)
You probably already know this. but chords and sound
Nice D35!!
Thanks Mike – I love this guitar!
i would love to learn how to play guitar just have an idel of playing a A G C EM D What more and play
Hi Raphael – just keep following the lessons here on the lesson page. I’ll be adding a more holistic lesson series in the near future.
Your videos have taught me nearly everything that I currently know about playing guitar. I just started playing about a week ago, with no prior knowledge about guitar. When I saw your first video, I was amazed at how well you explained everything in a way that someone who knew absolutely nothing about guitar, like myself, could understand it perfectly. Thank you so much for helping me pursue my passion for music.
Thank you Milo!
I’m glad I found your lessons here. I am thankful that the Lord led you to offer these free. My grandfather played by ear only. He was an amazing person in my life he has been gone16 years. I’ve had a guitar since I was young. Never seemed to get it! Now I’ve wanted so badly to play like pap did lol. I was getting frustrated with the few books a bought. I’m not worried about becoming a pro unless the Lord leads me there but I want to be efficient and affective. You have made that possible. So I thank you for your faithfulness!
Thanks so much, John!
Hey Mr B I have been playing for a couple of months and hope i get better. I know a few chords like D E Am Dm G give or take a few. I have only got to this lesson so far. And so far so good I like how you explain stuff thanks and keep up the good work :] :]
Thanks Levi – good luck!
Hey. I’ve been playing the guitar for a while and I’ve been able to play on key c, d and g. I’ve been wanting to learn to play on a and you’ve helped me do that. Thank you so much.