Chord Library

Essential Open Chords

Master these 6 fundamental chords and you can play thousands of songs.

Practice tip: Start with Em and Am — they only need 2 fingers! Once those feel natural, move to C and G. Don't rush it.
Index (1)
Middle (2)
Ring (3)
Pinky (4)
Open
✕ Muted
Tip: Numbers inside dots = which finger. "O" above = play open. "X" = don't play that string.

Beginner Chord Path

Start Here

Work through the chords in order. Start with Em and Am, then add C and G before taking on the rest.

Playback:
Shortcuts: / Search · Esc Clear · A Strum/Arpeggio

Essential Switch Drills

Unlocking

Finish the early chord path, then rehearse the most useful beginner switches in short clean rounds.

Switch & Check Drill

New

Practice switching between two chords — the app listens and times your transitions.

Select a drill pair below, then tap Start.
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Next Chord Expansion

Intermediate

Once the six core open chords are stable, add color, power, and hand strength with these next shapes.

7th Chords

  • Try `A7`, `D7`, and `E7` for blues and singer-songwriter grooves.
  • They usually remove one finger instead of adding a harder stretch.
  • Best first move: switch from `A` to `A7` and listen for the color change.

Power Chords

  • Use two-note shapes on the low strings for rock rhythm.
  • Start with the root on the low E string and add the fifth two frets up on the A string.
  • Mute unused strings with the side of the index finger.

Barre Prep

  • Flatten the index finger across the first two strings first, not all six at once.
  • Practice short holds for 5 seconds before strumming full shapes.
  • Use `E major` as the mental template for your future F-barre shape.

Common Progressions

  • `G → D → Em → C` for pop and folk.
  • `C → G → Am → F` for ballads and piano-style songs.
  • `A5 → C5 → G5 → D5` for early rock power-chord work.