An acoustic guitar chord is simply several notes played simultaneously. There are several different acoustic guitar chords but most people can get by with just a few of the basic chords. Indeed many classic songs are made up of three or four chords throughout the song so you can play these songs and many more if you master the basic chords. A basic fact to commit to memory before you begin is that major chords should sound bright while minor chords sound dark.
Acoustic guitar chords are expressed in print as chord diagrams. Chord diagrams for acoustic guitars are similar to guitar tabs for electric guitars however they are slightly different. While guitar tabs are printed side-to-side (horizontally), acoustic guitar chord diagrams are vertical (top to bottom). The chord diagram appears as a series of crossed lines with vertical lines to mark each string, horizontal lines to mark each fret and dots to mark the spot where the string should be held down.
The acoustic guitar chord diagram will display six lines with numbers on those lines. The lines represent the stings from top to bottom of the guitar neck, and the numbers represent which finger is to be used on the string to produce a chord. 1 indicates that the index finger should be used, 2 for the middle finger, 3 for the ring finger, 4 for the little finger, and T for rare instances that the thumb is used. O represents an open string that is played, and strings marked with an X are not played.
G-major is the first chord we?re going to learn on the acoustic guitar. Place your fingers as follows: middle finger on sixth string at third fret, index finger on fifth string at second fret, ring finger on first string at third fret. Play each note one at a time, including the open strings. Each note should be heard clearly, with no odd buzzing or rattling sounds. If anything sounds off, you can push down firmer on the string or move your fingers so they are closer to the fret. Your fingers should not be in contact with one another and only on one string at a time. When each individual note sounds good, strum them all together. You have just accomplished a G-major chord on your acoustic guitar.
The acoustic guitar chord E-minor is much easier to learn how to finger. Your index finger goes on the second fret of the fifth string, while your middle finger rests on the second fret of the fourth string when playing this chord. There should be enough room for both fingers to rest on the fret without having them touch. After trying the notes, adjust your fingers until the sound you hear is the right note. Then, strum both strings to play the E-minor chord. You will notice a darker sound from this minor chord.
The basic acoustic guitar chords that you should hone include C-major, D-major, A-minor, and A-major. You should get comfortable with the finger positioning for each chord and then practice moving the fingers from one chord to another. You should get it to the stage where this moving from one position to the next is almost second nature.
Despite what you may have been told or think, learning to play acoustic guitar chords is not easy. It is not a natural movement and only by continued and focused practice will you get the skill set down and into your head. Don't let this put you off though as continued practice will guarantee success. Everyday you practice will strengthen the muscle memory and you will be playing acoustic guitar chords without too much apparent effort. And believe me the effort is worth it.