Major chords are the foundation of all Western music. They sound happy, bright, and resolved. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking for a reference, this guide covers every major chord on guitar and piano.
What Makes a Chord Major?
A major chord contains three notes: the root, a major 3rd, and a perfect 5th. This formula works for every major chord in every key.
C Major: C (root) – E (major 3rd) – G (perfect 5th)
G Major: G – B – D
Open Major Chords on Guitar
These are the first chords every guitarist should learn:
C Major
Index on 1st fret (2nd string), middle on 2nd fret (4th string), ring on 3rd fret (5th string). Strum strings 1-5.
D Major
Index on 2nd fret (3rd string), ring on 3rd fret (2nd string), middle on 2nd fret (1st string). Strum strings 1-4.
E Major
Index on 1st fret (3rd string), middle on 2nd fret (5th string), ring on 2nd fret (4th string). Strum all six strings.
G Major
Middle on 2nd fret (5th string), index on 2nd fret (6th string — some use ring finger on 3rd fret), ring/pinky on 3rd fret (1st string). Strum all six strings.
A Major
Index on 2nd fret (4th string), middle on 2nd fret (3rd string), ring on 2nd fret (2nd string). Strum strings 1-5.
F Major
The first barre chord most people learn. Barre 1st fret with index, then add the E shape with remaining fingers. 133211.
Barre Major Chords on Guitar
E-Shape Barre
Move the E major shape up the neck with a full barre:
– F: 1st fret
– G: 3rd fret
– A: 5th fret
– B: 7th fret
A-Shape Barre
Move the A major shape up with a barre:
– B: 2nd fret
– C: 3rd fret
– D: 5th fret
Major Chords on Piano
All 12 Major Chords
C: C – E – G (all white keys)
Db: Db – F – Ab
D: D – F# – A
Eb: Eb – G – Bb
E: E – G# – B
F: F – A – C (all white keys)
Gb: Gb – Bb – Db
G: G – B – D (all white keys)
Ab: Ab – C – Eb
A: A – C# – E
Bb: Bb – D – F
B: B – D# – F#
The Most Important Major Chord Progressions
I – IV – V (G – C – D)
The most fundamental progression in all of music. Three chords, thousands of songs.
I – V – vi – IV (G – D – Em – C)
The most popular pop progression of all time. Used in “Let It Be,” “No Woman No Cry,” “With or Without You,” and hundreds more.
I – vi – IV – V (C – Am – F – G)
The classic 1950s doo-wop progression, still used in modern pop.
Practice Tips
Start with G, C, and D — these three chords let you play hundreds of songs. Then add Em and Am to unlock thousands more. The F barre chord is the biggest hurdle for beginners, but with daily practice it becomes natural within a few weeks.