One of the first things you do after picking up the guitar is learn how to play guitar chords.
A guitar chord is made up of two or more notes played simultaneously.
Though there are many different types of chords, they can all be categorized as either Major chords or Minor chords.
There are six strings on a normal guitar, each having its own designated note.
The first string is an E.
This is the thinnest string which also has the highest pitch.
The strings get progressively larger around and lower in pitch: B, G, D, A, and E again.
The sixth string (also an E) is the thickest and, therefore, the lowest note of them all.
Many guitar players learn these notes with the help of mnemonic devices.
For instance, memorizing from the top down (E, A, D, G, B, E) is more difficult than memorizing such phrases as Eat All Day Get Big Easy.
You can play any of these notes without even touching the fret.
Those are called open notes.
However, if you want to learn how to play guitar chords, then you'll have to learn which strings to play on which sections of the fret board.
Chords have a much richer sound than do open notes; they are what guitarists use to strum familiar tunes.
American music most frequently employs the Major chords.
A couple of the more famous ones are the C Major, A Major, and G Major chords.
To play the C Major, you would put your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger would on the second fret of the fourth string, and you would then place your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string.
Once you have accomplished this, practice by strumming between the first and fifth strings.
Viola! A guitar chord! As previously mentioned, there are lots and lots of guitar chords out there.
You may want to practice the most useful ones before attempting something more difficult and less familiar.
Remember, learning how to play guitar chords is not easy.
It takes commitment of time and energy.
So be patient and let yourself have fun as you learn.