How To Read Guitar Chord Chart

Basic elements of guitar chord chart.

Below is an illustration of guitar chord chart with string lines drawn vertically. Try holding a guitar in front of you, where the sound hole is facing you, that's how you visualize this chord chart.

Fret Numbers

Number on the right side indicates fret numbers. Starting from the very top is fret 1 (see illustration image above). If chord chart has no fret numbers, it usually means that it starts from fret 1.

Open and Muted Strings

At the top of chord chart are "x" for muted strings and "o" for open strings. You may skip muted strings entirely or make it sounds muffled. For open strings you simply let it ring without pressing the strings.

Left Hand Fingers Numbering

Circles on the chord chart tells you how to position your left hand fingers. The circle may contains a number or letter which tells you what finger to put where.

T = thumb
1 = index finger
2 = middle finger
3 = ring finger
4 = pinky finger

Guitar chord chart circles with numbers

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Other chord chart formats may provide additional infos such as root note (indicated by letter R or number 1), chord fomula, chord symbol, guitar nut, fret marker, and guitar tuning (e.g. standard tuning, E-A-D-G-B-e).

Learning Materials

• Chord Formulas