Open chords — sometimes called “cowboy chords” — are the first chords every guitarist learns. They use a combination of fretted notes and open strings to create full, resonant sounds in the first few frets of the guitar. Master these and you can play thousands of songs.
What Are Open Chords?
Open chords are chord shapes played in the first three frets that include at least one open (unfretted) string. They’re called “open” because of these ringing open strings, which give them a bright, full sound. They’re also sometimes called “cowboy chords” because they’re the chords used in classic country and folk music around the campfire.
The 8 Essential Open Chords
G Major
The “king” of open chords. Middle finger on 3rd fret (6th string), index on 2nd fret (5th string), ring finger on 3rd fret (1st string). Strum all 6 strings.
C Major
Ring finger on 3rd fret (5th string), middle on 2nd fret (4th string), index on 1st fret (2nd 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 only.
E Major
Middle finger on 2nd fret (5th string), ring on 2nd fret (4th string), index on 1st fret (3rd string). Strum all 6 strings.
A Major
Index, middle, and ring fingers all on the 2nd fret, strings 4, 3, and 2. Strum strings 1-5.
Am (A Minor)
Same as A major but move your index to the 1st fret (2nd string). Everything else stays.
Em (E Minor)
Just two fingers: middle on 2nd fret (5th string), ring on 2nd fret (4th string). The easiest chord on guitar.
Dm (D Minor)
Index on 1st fret (1st string), middle on 2nd fret (3rd string), ring on 3rd fret (2nd string). Strum strings 1-4.
Important Supporting Open Chords
F Major (Simplified)
Index barres strings 1-2 at the 1st fret, middle on 2nd fret (3rd string), ring on 3rd fret (4th string). Play strings 1-4. This avoids the full barre.
B7
Index on 1st fret (4th string), middle on 2nd fret (5th string), ring on 2nd fret (3rd string), pinky on 2nd fret (1st string). Open 2nd string rings.
Open Chord Songs to Practice
2-Chord Songs (Em + G)
– Horse with No Name (Em, D6)
– Born in the U.S.A. (two chords!)
3-Chord Songs (G, C, D)
– Sweet Home Alabama
– Bad Moon Rising
– Twist and Shout
– Ring of Fire
4-Chord Songs (G, D, Em, C)
– Let It Be
– Zombie
– Someone Like You
– Wagon Wheel
Tips for Clean Open Chords
Finger placement
Press right behind the fret (not on it). This gives you the cleanest sound with the least effort.
Thumb position
Keep your thumb on the back of the neck, roughly behind the 2nd fret. This gives your fingers maximum reach and curve.
Check each string
After forming a chord, pick each string individually. Every string should ring clearly. If one buzzes or is muted, adjust your finger position.
Practice transitions
The hardest part of open chords is switching between them quickly. Practice switching between two chords to a metronome, starting slow and gradually increasing speed.