Mastering the Top 20 Chords Every Guitar Player Should Know

Playing the guitar is a journey filled with exploration and self-expression. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, having a strong foundation in fundamental chords is essential.

In response to the demand for a consolidated resource, renowned guitarist Nate Savage from Musora has created a comprehensive video showcasing the top 20 chords that every guitar player needs to know in order to play pop music or cover songs. Let's dive into the world of chords and discover the secrets behind mastering them.

C Major Chords:

Nate begins the tutorial by introducing the C major chord, often regarded as the gateway chord for beginners. Mastering this chord lays the foundation for building coordination and dexterity required to play other chords. Nate offers a helpful tip to improve playing C major by adjusting the elbow position, allowing for better finger placement and control.

A Major, G Major, and E Major Chords:

Moving on, Nate demonstrates the open A major chord and shares a useful technique for easier finger positioning. He also explains two variations of the open G major chord, emphasizing the importance of being able to play both. The full-sounding E major chord, which utilizes all six strings, is introduced, setting the stage for more advanced techniques in the future.

D Major and A Minor Chords:

Nate highlights the joyous D major chord, which utilizes only four strings by omitting the low E and A strings. He then explores the emotional depth of the A minor chord, explaining its similarity to the E major shape with a slight shift and the removal of the low E string.

E Minor and D Minor Chords:

Simplicity meets rock and roll with the easiest chord in the world, E minor. Nate demonstrates how effortless it is to play and encourages learners to experiment with different strumming patterns to create their unique sound. On the other hand, D minor portrays a melancholic vibe, captivating listeners with its simplicity on the top four strings.

Barre Chords:

Transitioning to a more advanced level, Nate introduces barre chords. He starts with the F major barre chord, showcasing variations that allow players to focus on specific strings and gradually progress to the full shape. The video further explores F minor, B major, B flat major, B minor, B flat minor, and C minor barre chords, providing insights into their shapes and finger placements.

Seventh Chords:

Adding bluesy flavors to your playing, Nate unveils the secrets of seventh chords. He demonstrates the C7 chord, incorporating it seamlessly with the open C chord shape. The A7 and E7 chords follow suit, offering simplicity while exuding a bluesy essence.

Hobo Chord:

In a whimsical twist, Nate introduces the hobo chord, which evokes imagery of a traveler playing an acoustic guitar aboard a train. This chord modification, derived from the D major shape, captures the essence of blues music.

Triple Dip Chords:

Nate delves into the concept of triple dip chords, showcasing the G7 chord and its versatility as F#7 and F7 chords. By adapting the E barre chord shape, players can effortlessly transition between these three chords, adding richness to their repertoire.

B7 and B flat 7 Chords:

The video explores the B7 chord, derived from the B major shape, and the B flat 7 chord. Nate demonstrates different finger placements, allowing players to choose the variation that suits their playing style.

Diminished and Augmented Chords:

Nate unveils the mysterious world of diminished and augmented chords. He demonstrates the fingering for diminished chords, explaining how they resemble the D7 shape but with the exclusion of the D string. Augmented chords, on the other hand, involve raising the fifth note of a major chord, introducing tension and a sense of unease.

Mastering the top 20 chords demonstrated in Nate's comprehensive video will empower guitar players to navigate the vast landscape of music. By building a strong foundation in these fundamental chords, players can confidently play pop music and cover songs. It's important to remember that practice and experimentation are key to developing a unique playing style. So grab your guitar, dive into the world of chords, and let your creativity soar. Happy playing!

Additional resources mentioned in the article:

20 Chords Every Guitar Player Needs To Know (Chord chart PDF)