How to Read Chord Charts

Instructional PDF 3 pages

Lesson Discussion

What Are Chord Charts?

Chord charts (or chord diagrams) are a type of fretboard diagram which show where to put fretting-hand fingers in order to form a chord shape.

Dots (representing fingers) are shown on top of vertical lines (representing strings), in between horizontal lines (representing frets). Chord charts can quickly show the layout of any chord shape, without using number or letters.

Show Me a Quick Example…

Here’s a C major chord shown via photograph, guitar tab, and chord chart:

Likewise, here’s a D major chord shown in the same formats:

In this manner, we can convey all types of chords using chord charts:

How Do You Read Chord Charts?

First, understand the orientation of this layout:

The far-left line represents the thickest (or sixth) string
The far-right line represents the thinnest (or first) string

Usually (but not always), chord charts are showing the first 3-4 frets of the guitar. These are shown with horizontal lines. Look out for a thick line at the top, which represents the nut of the guitar:

How Do You Know Which Strings to Play?

Now that we understand the strings and frets, lets look at how to know what to play.

Thick dots (written directly on any string) tell us to push down that string on that specific fret
An “O” symbol (written up above any string) tell us to leave that string open — i.e. unfretted.
A “X” symbol (written up above any string) tells us not to play that string.

Again, here’s some common chords visualized in a few formats. Spend some time studying this until you can understand how chord charts work.

Which Fingers Do I Use?

Sometimes — but not always — chord charts will include numbers written on top of each large dot. This can be a way to convey fretting hand finger position. For example:

Up The Neck

Sometimes, chord charts are used to show chords up the neck, far away from the nut of the guitar. In these cases, a number will be written to the left or right of the chart — letting you know which frets you’re looking at:

Barred Strings

Some chords require you to play multiple notes with a single finger – which is referred to as barring (e.g. barre chords). In chord charts, this is often visualized with a horizontal line that runs through all barred notes.

Here’s a few examples showing this. Which finger you use to barre the notes depends on context and personal preference! For instance, in the C, B, and B♭ chords here you can either use your fretting hand’s ring or pinky finger.

Chord Charts with Tabs?

You may commonly see chord charts written directly above guitar tabs. This can be an incredibly helpful way of telling you how to position your fretting hand while approaching a tabbed sequence. Then, defer to the guitar tab to understand the order to play each string.

Communicating Chord Charts with Spoken Word

If you’re ever in a situation where you need to describe a chord chart with words, here’s how I do it.

Establish which string you’re starting on.
List which frets to push, string by string (from thickest to thinnest)

Here’s what that looks like with common chords:

Suggested Practice

Study the diagram showing all common chords shown via photograph, tabs, and chord charts. Use this to connect the dots between these different visual formats.
Write your own chord diagrams! Use the blank chord charts page in the blank tabs PDF, or simply draw your own grid (six vertical strings, 4 horizontal frets) - and practice writing out some chord charts for chords you know. Doing this will help reinforce things.

Next Lesson: How to Read Strumming Patterns →