The chords below will be broken into various categories. I will also include some "levels" of chord knowledge to make sure you have not forgotten any of the basics. They are not grades, just a kind of rough level idea that I have in my head.

I will try to include other common fingerings and notes on playing each chord, not just the way that I play them. There is more than one right way to play many of these chords. And I sometimes play them a bit strange because of my stumpy little finger [excuses, excuses, lol].

I'll tell you truth here - not like those ridiculous "1,000,000 Chord Shapes" books. These are ones that you should know and will use. Those books have many dodgy chords that are just there to make the numbers up, impractical and sound awful. I know because I have friends who have written some and I know they get pressure from publishers for numbers, not quality. Same with many of the online chord things, they don't often sound good, even though theoretically they are correct...

As you can see this area is still under construction, but will be completed soon.. well actually it's probably always going to be growing... so get used to it... :) I add the new uncompleted stuff to remind myself to get onto it!

NOTE - Those looking for information on the CAGED SYSTEM CLICK HERE - most of you should check this out. Important stuff - hence why it's in The Basics instead of the Chords area!

Without wanting to toot my own products too much - I explain a great way to learn and UNDERSTAND most of the common chords in my Chord Chonstruction Guide. It really works and will help you understand how barre chords are constructed and how to play them - if you do it properly you no longer need to memorise hundreds of chords, you will unerstand how to create them from the basic CAGED shapes! See the unedited reviews in the forum here.

Level 1 - (Beginner)These are the basic beginner shapes. Essential for all players in every style. Even if you want to play metal you should check these out.

CH-001 • Basic Open Chords
In this lesson you will learn the eight most basic open chords: A, D, E, G, C, Am, Dm, Em.

Level 2 - (Beginner)

These are the next level for beginners. Slighly more advanced shapes. Bit more to remember and may require a little more stretching. Power Chords are also very important now as precursor to learning Barré chords.

CH-002 • Dom 7th Open Chords
In this lesson you will check out the Dominat 7th Chords in open position: C7, A7, G7, E7, D7, B7

CH-003 • Suspended Open Chords 1
Suspended chords sound very cool and are pretty easy too: Dsus4, Dsus2, Asus4, Asus2, Esus4

CH-004 • Power Chords Part 1
This lesson covers the Power Chords with the 6th string root notes.

CH-005 • Power Chords Part 2
And this lesson develops the Power Chords technique and explains the 5th string root shape.

Level 3 - (Beginner)

This is where you. You get your barre chord shapes sorted, develop your left hand strength and make sure you know how to find the root notes.

CH-006 • Basic Barre Chords
This lesson includes a 4 part video series to help you learn your Major and minor, 7 and min 7 barre grips.

CH-007 • Slash Chords (and common open grips) *NEW*
You should understand what a slash chord is and how to play the common ones!

Level 4 - (Intermediate)

Chords start to get a bit more interesting now that you have the basic barré chords sorted, being able to play them is what got you to the imtermediate level! Really making sure that you can find your root notes in time, and be able to hold down your barrés well and comfortably.

CH-009 • Maj7 and min7 Open Chords
Quite common to see these in pop songs of old, so we have a look at some common chord grips.

CH-010 • CAGED System Chords
I'm sure you have heard of it... now you need to understand it.

CH-011 • Interesting Open Chords
Introducing the lovely add 9 and minor add 9

Level 5 - (Intermediate)

Now you have to really know how to apply the CAGED system. You should also start getting familiar with the common jazz sequences and finding the root notes very quickly (well instantly really).

CH-011 • Suspended Open Chords 2
More advanced and less used, but very cool sus chords: Csus2/4, Fsus2/4, Gsus4, Esus2, Bsus4

CH-012 • Major CAGED System
The essential five barré chord shapes that make up the CAGED system shapes.

JA-001 • Basic Jazz Chords
This lesson cover the ten jazz chords that you will need to get down to start playing jazz. I made it for the jazz section - but it is needed here too ;)

Level 6 - (Intermediate)

- looking at extended chords (9, 11, 13) and jazz chords.

CH-060 • Funk Chords

CH-065 • Advanced Open Chords

Level 7 - (Player)

Now you have to understand harmony too - not just learn the shapes. There start to be too many to remember them all so you need to understand where they come from. Suddenly it becomes easy to remember them because they are now logical extensions. :)

E Shape Barre Grips
A Shape Barre Grips
D Shape Barre Grips
C Shape Barre Grips
G Shape Barre Grips

 

 

Level 8 - (Player)

Chords built in 4ths

Chord Melody Voicings

Altered Voicings

 

Level 9 - (Guru, legend, etc...)

Shouldn't need my help really...