Your first three chords: Em, Am, E
Concept
Open chords use a mix of fretted and open strings. Start with Em (two fingers), then Am (three fingers), then E major (three fingers, one fret different from Em).
Em — your easiest win
Em uses just two fingers, both on the 2nd fret: - Middle finger on the A string, fret 2 - Ring finger on the D string, fret 2
All six strings ring out. Strum from the low E down. If any string buzzes, check your finger angle — fingertips down, not flat.
Am — three fingers, top five strings
- Index finger on the B string, fret 1
- Middle finger on the D string, fret 2
- Ring finger on the G string, fret 2
Don't strum the low E. The A string is the root. If you accidentally hit the low E it still sounds OK, but try to start strumming from the A.
E major — minor flipped
Take your Em fingering and add one more finger: - Index finger on the G string, fret 1 - (Middle and ring stay where they were for Em)
That one added note (G→G#) flips it from minor to major. Listen — minor sounds 'sad,' major sounds 'bright.' Same root note, two moods.
Key takeaways
- •Em and E differ by one finger.
- •Am uses the top 5 strings; don't worry if you brush the low E.
- •Check each string rings clean BEFORE speeding up.
Glossary
- Open chord
- A chord that uses one or more open (unfretted) strings.
- Voicing
- A specific arrangement of a chord's notes. Em and E barre at fret 12 are both E, but different voicings.
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