The First Fret

Chords & Theory

9 guides

Learn why certain chords sound good together and how to use common guitar chord progressions for beginners to start making real music today.

Learn the notes on the guitar fretboard with simple patterns and memory tricks. A beginner's guide to reading, memorizing, and navigating the neck.

Master beginner guitar chords with this hands-on guide to Em, E, Am, A, Dm, D, C, and G — the 8 chords that open up hundreds of songs.

Learn how guitar chords are built from intervals, what separates major from minor, and how 7th chords add color — all explained for beginners.

Learn how to play power chords on electric guitar with two simple shapes, proper muting technique, and a beginner-friendly riff to practice.

Learn how to play barre chords with clear finger placement tips for the F chord and B minor shape — built for beginners starting from scratch.

Learn the difference between open chords vs barre chords, when to use each, and how to make the jump to barre chords as a beginner.

Learn how to fret a guitar cleanly with tips on finger placement, thumb position, and fixing buzzing or muffled chords.

Learn how to read a guitar chord chart step by step. Understand the grid, finger numbers, and symbols so you can play any chord you find.