Beginning Guitar? Learn and Master These 10 Chords! Part Two

Now that we've covered the first six of the basic open chords you need to master as a beginning guitarist, I shall continue with the final four chords to round out the first ten you need to master.

Fourth Set - The E, B, and A Chord.

or

Here is another classic chord progression in the I - IV - V format. This progression is very common in Blues music and Country music as well.

I have displayed chord diagrams for both a B chord and a B7 chord. The reason for this is that the B chord is a fairly difficult chord to master due to the barring required on the fourth fret. Thus, you can usually get away with the much easier B7 chord as shown. An upside is that it sounds bluesier and is commonly used. Several Stevie Ray Vaughan songs follow an E, A, B7 progression or E, A7, B7.

The Final Set - The Em, Am, and Dm chord.



These are not always set in a predetermined chord progression, but are some of the most commonly used minor chords. These are all relatively easy to master. The Em is fingered the same as an E chord only you lift your index finger, thus playing the open G string.

The Aminor chord is fingered the same as an E chord except that it is played a string higher in pitch. The Dminor chord is a new form, but is not difficult to master.

You'll find several rock songs (The Eagles come to mind) where there is a G, C, D chord progression, only they will throw in an Em and sometimes a Dm as well.

Master these ten chords and you will be well on your way to strumming along with some of your favorite bands.

This article by: J. Corey Lewis - ©2008 - All Rights Reserved