• TFox
  • Junior Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2008-11-19
  • Posts: 3

Topic: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

Hi all,

I have been learning some guitar for the past month and a half with limited guidance from a friend. For the life of me, I do not understand how to read the chord charts that are displayed on this site and other sites.

I have searched other posts and have not read an explanation that I understand. I need a visual that shows me where to place my fingers on the frets. I thought you place your fingers on the strings that have the dots. For example, I was just looking at the C#m; one of the charts has six dots, but I only have five fingers. And then for some there are x and o at the top of the chart.

I do understand that the number next to the chart is the fret number.

I have been getting songs from ulitmateguitar.com. And, the chords that people post there confuse me when I look at the chords on this site.

The few chords I have practiced with, I have had some success with changing between them. So, I am so stoked about learning.

I would greatly appreciate some help.

Thanks,

Tom

2 Reply by Russell_Harding (edited by Russell_Harding 2008-11-19 02:45:24)

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

you may find help with a free program called Guitar Alchemist it gives all the chord fingerings as well as a fretboard that indicates what finger go's where for any chord  this is the link and itsl totally free and fun smile                                                                                     http://www.guitaralchemist.com/index-1.html                         

TFox wrote:

Hi all,

I have been learning some guitar for the past month and a half with limited guidance from a friend. For the life of me, I do not understand how to read the chord charts that are displayed on this site and other sites.

I have searched other posts and have not read an explanation that I understand. I need a visual that shows me where to place my fingers on the frets. I thought you place your fingers on the strings that have the dots. For example, I was just looking at the C#m; one of the charts has six dots, but I only have five fingers. And then for some there are x and o at the top of the chart.

I do understand that the number next to the chart is the fret number.

I have been getting songs from ulitmateguitar.com. And, the chords that people post there confuse me when I look at the chords on this site.

The few chords I have practiced with, I have had some success with changing between them. So, I am so stoked about learning.

I would greatly appreciate some help.

Thanks,

Tom

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • TFox
  • Junior Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2008-11-19
  • Posts: 3

Re: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

Thank you for the quick response Russell. That is a kool program. However, it still doesn't explain to me where to place my fingers. There are black dots and numbered circles. I'll keep trying. Thanks!

  • dino48
  • Honoured Member
  • Offline
  • From: los banos,california
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 6,801

Re: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

Hi TFOX ,I dont know any online links but you might try a music store,they will usually carry books for chords. The O means play open[not fingered],the X means that string is not too be played.When you see a chord with six dots it usally means it is a bar chord,or you place one or more fingers across multiple strings. Hope that helped a little.             dino48

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

I think dino,s advise is probably your solution get a basic chord book from any music store and they will indicate which finger go's where plus a lot more helpful info and after you learn the basic posistions the Alchemist program can take you further because you will understand why those dots are where they are on a chord diagram smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

I have a chord book with photographs showing someone actually fingering the chords.  Very useful.  Try a music shop - not Guitar Center if you can avoid it.  Nothing against Guitar Center, they're a good store.  I just like it when people can support a local shop is all. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude
  • TFox
  • Junior Member
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2008-11-19
  • Posts: 3

Re: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

Wow! Thank you all for the help. A chord book sounds good for me since I am starting with a blank slate. Zurf, I hear ya about the local stores; I'm all for supporting locally owned small business. Thanks so much for your help and I hope I can get to a place to help others like you all are doing.

Blessings,

Tom

  • Registered: 2008-11-20
  • Posts: 1

Re: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

Yes we will not understand first to learn Guitar and how to read the chord charts that are displayed on the sites. For more information visit this site: 

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  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 162

Re: Newbie-Need help with reading chords!!!

The chord book with photos is a great idea. Also watch other people playing e.g. buskers on the street, live gigs, TV, youtube etc.