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What Is A Chord Diagram?
A chord diagram is essentially a square/rectangular grid consisting of 6 vertical lines which correspond to the 6 strings on the guitar and a number of horizontal lines which represents the frets on the neck. More specifically the left most vertical line is the Low E or 6th string and the right most vertical line is the High E or 1st string on the guitar. The rest of the lines obviously correspond to the middle strings. The top most horizontal line correspond to the nut on the guitar while the lines there after correspond to the 1st fret, 2nd fret, 3rd fret, ect. There are usually 4 of 5 horizontal lines but sometimes there may be more if the chord is exceptionally large and requires considerable left hand stretching. Thus a chord diagram is essentially just a graphical representation of the guitar fretboard, as if you pointed the fretboard of the guitar towards the sky and had the fretboard facing you.
How To Read Chord Diagrams.
By adding dots and other markings on the blank grid, we have information on where to place our fingers on the fretboard. For example, as already discussed the left most vertical line is the Low E or 6th string, by adding a dot between the 1st and 2nd horizontal lines (which represent the nut and the 1st fret) on this string, it tells us to place our finger between the nut and 1st fret on the Low E string, or more easily described as playing the 1st fret. If we move that dot between the 2nd and 3rd horizontal line, you then would play the 2nd fret on the 6th string.
As chords use more then one note, we can place more then one dot at a time on the chord diagram. But for every dot on the chord diagram, make sure you fret the corresponding note on the guitar. Chord diagrams also feature circles above some of the vertical lines or strings. These circles tell us that the string is to be played open or without fretting.
Other Markings
Chord diagrams can also use numbers below the strings which indicate which left hand finger frets which string. For example a 3 below one string would mean to fret that string with your 3rd finger. An X above or below a string would indicate not to play that string at all. Unless there is a dot or circle on the string you wouldn't play that string anyways, but an X is sometimes used to make that point clear. An arched line may sometimes appear on chord diagrams. This is done to indicate that a "barre" (when one finger frets more then one string) is to be applied. Sometimes a number is applied to a fret on the right hand side of the diagram. This is done for chords that are played much higher on the neck. A number 7 for example would indicate to fret at the 7th fret.
With this information you should be able to read and play any chord diagram that you will come across. Not only are chord diagrams easy to read but they also give you the ability to learn new chords on your own without a teacher.
Category: MusicGuitar Chord Diagrams: How Guitarists Learn New Chords was written by:Author:Jonathan DykermanAdded: Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:45:29 -0400 This Article Has Been Read 70 times View all Jonathan Dykerman's articlesAbout the Author: Jonathan Dykerman is a professional guitar player and instructor. For more information on power chords please visit Guitarwarp.com. This article may be reprinted providing this resource box is included. Copyright 2008. |
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