First Step-The A Family Chords: A, D, and E

Here are three basic chords (A, D, and E) that are the primary chords in key of A. These are among the easiest chords to learn. I recommend starting with these! Practice by playing them in any sequence: A...D...E...

A Major (A)

D Major (D)

NOTE: Please reverse finger positions 2 and 3 below for a correct D chord!

E Major (E)

Next Step- The D Family Chords: D, Em, G, and A

The D Family chords build on those in the A Family (above). The basic guitar chords in the D Family are D, Em (E minor), G, and A. So here we add Em and G. For me, Em is definitely one of the easiest chords to play, and as a minor chord, one with a really cool sound! Again, take the approach of practicing an individual chord, and then transitioning to the next one in the family, and the next, and the next, and the ....

After you learn a few chords, practice will become much easier because you can play actual songs! But first you need to pay your dues by learning the individual chords, and how to quickly and smoothly transition from one to another.

Again for the D family you will play these chords: D...Em...G...A

E Minor (Em)

G Major (G)

More Basics- The G Family Chords: G, Am, C, D, and Em

Now were getting somewhere! The G Family of chords consists of: G...Am...C...D...Em. To play these family of basic guitar chords, you only need to add the Am and C chords. Below are the chord diagrams for these additional two chords.

A Minor (Am)

C Major (C)