Chords
Open chord
An open chord is played in the first three or four frets and lets at least one open string ring as part of the chord, like C (x32010), G (320003) or Em (022000).
What is an open chord?
An open chord (or first-position chord) mixes notes fretted near the nut with open strings that belong to the chord. In standard tuning the open strings are E A D G B E, and those notes fit the chords of G, C, D, E and A, which is why open chords rule folk, pop and rock.
The upside: resonance, sustain and easy fingerings. The limit: each shape works in only one place on the neck, unlike a barre chord, which you can move anywhere.
The 8 open chords to learn first
Fingerings from the low E string to the high E (x = not played, 0 = open):
| Chord | Fingering | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| C | x32010 | C E G C E |
| A | x02220 | A E A C# E |
| G | 320003 | G B D G B G |
| E | 022100 | E B E G# B E |
| D | xx0232 | D A D F# |
| Am | x02210 | A E A C E |
| Em | 022000 | E B E G B E |
| Dm | xx0231 | D A D F |
These eight shapes include the five major chords of the CAGED system (C, A, G, E, D) plus three minors. They are enough for hundreds of songs.
Example to play: G, Em, C, D
This I-vi-IV-V progression in G major uses only open chords:
- G: 320003
- Em: 022000
- C: x32010
- D: xx0232
Play four downstrokes per chord at 70 beats per minute, then switch to a strumming pattern of down, down-up, up-down-up. Tip: the 2nd fret of the A string (B) is shared by G and Em, so leave that finger down, lift the other two and add the 2nd fret of the D string.
Why your open chord buzzes or sounds wrong
- Finger too far from the fret: put your fingertip right behind the metal fret wire, not in the middle of the space.
- Neighbouring string muted: on C, the underside of your ring finger often touches the open G string. Arch the finger more.
- Wrong bass: on D, neither the low E nor the A string should sound; on C, the low E stays silent.
- Open shapes in an awkward key: to play in B♭ with open shapes, put a capo at the 3rd fret and play G shapes (G, C, D become B♭, E♭, F).
Key takeaways
- Open chord = first position + open strings that belong to the chord.
- Eight shapes (C, A, G, E, D, Am, Em, Dm) cover the essentials.
- With a capo, the same shapes work in every key.
- Write down your progressions and transpose them in the songbook so the fingerings stay in front of you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn open chords?
With 15 minutes a day, most beginners can switch between all eight shapes in time within four to eight weeks. Drill changes in pairs (G and C, C and D) for one minute each and count how many clean changes you make.
What is the difference between an open chord and a barre chord?
An open chord uses open strings and stays near the nut. A barre chord replaces the nut with your index finger, so the shape can move anywhere on the neck, but it takes more strength.
Are Cadd9 and Em7 open chords?
Yes. Cadd9 (x32033), Em7 (022033), Dsus2 (xx0230) and Asus2 (x02200) are coloured open chords: they also use open strings and sound especially good in acoustic accompaniment.
Related terms
Practise in the workshop
Take it from theory to the fretboard
Open the workshop tools and see this idea across the whole neck. Free account, no card needed.