What you need to play 5 chords now will highlight open chords and barre chords. Open chords and barre chords are two of the most important things to learn when you start learning guitar. Open chords are chords that contain only open strings, and barre chords are chords that use steel bars to help you play them. Both open chords and barre chords are used in many songs and guitar tabs, so, it’s important that you learn how to play them. This lesson will teach you how to play open chords and barre chords on the guitar.
What Are the 5 Chords?
To play 5 chords now are all part of the system or structure called “CAGED”. The 5 chords are C, A, G, E, and D. Each chord has a distinct shape. Moving the chord’s shape up the neck provides many new varieties of chords.
Open Chords to Play 5 Chords Now
Open chords consist of open strings – those without a finger pressing down on a string. The diagrams with an “O” at the top of the string indicate that is an open string to sound when you play the chord. The diagrams with an “X” at the top of the string indicate that string should not sound when you play the chord.
Notice the F chord has been added too. It has an “A” note that makes it an open chord. But the “E” note with the “X” in the diagram should not be played because it is not part of the F major chord.
Barre Chords
Barre chords all use the index finger to stretch across all six strings forming a “bar”. They contain the shapes of the open chords. You play 5 chords as you move these shapes up the neck of the guitar.
The first barre chord to learn is F, containing the E chord. Using your index finger for the “bar” raises the chord up a half step or one fret.
To get started I’ve only included barre chords based on E and A chords. There is more than one way to play these chords in terms of where you place your fingers. Alternatives are possible.
How to Practice Chords
The main goal is to play 5 chords now without any buzzes. It takes time to build hand strength and unfortunately there are no shortcuts. Try the following steps:
- One finger at a time is a good way to start.
- When that’s going well, add another.
- All fingers on the fretboard? Good, now slowly strum until each note rings.
- You’re getting this!
- Remember practice makes permanent, so take your time.
Conclusion
What you need to play 5 chords now is explained by comparing open chords with barre chords. It takes a strong hand to be able to finger the barre chords well enough that no buzzes are heard. But with slow, deliberate practice you can do it. Follow the practice steps. Don’t hurry.