How do I read a guitar chord diagram?

Each diagram shows the fretboard with the thickest string (low E) at the bottom. Dots mark where to press, an open circle means play the string open, and an X means don't play it. Switch positions to see the same chord higher up the neck.

What's the difference between chord positions?

A chord can be played in several places on the neck — open shapes near the nut, then barre and CAGED shapes higher up. They contain the same notes but sound and feel different. Use the position selector to compare them.

Which chord shapes should I learn first?

Start with the open major and minor shapes for C, G, D, A, E and their minors, then add dominant and major/minor 7th shapes. Once the open shapes feel natural, learn one barre shape so you can move chords anywhere.

What can I play over these chords?

Open the trainer with a progression and Improvisio will suggest scales that fit, or read the matching chord page for compatible scales and example progressions.

Reference

Chord Finder

Look up any guitar chord and see every voicing on the neck — open, barre and CAGED shapes, position by position.

Root

Chord type

C Major

Bright and happy sound

Cmaj - Open C Major

Position 1 of 5

Cmaj

Open C Major

Scale degrees

Intervals

Cmaj

A-shape (3rd fret)

Scale degrees

Intervals

Cmaj

C-shape (5th fret)

Scale degrees

Intervals

Cmaj

E-shape (8th fret)

Scale degrees

Intervals

Cmaj

D-shape (13th fret)

Scale degrees

Intervals

Related C chords

CmC MinorDark and sad sound C7C Dominant 7thBluesy tension that wants to resolve Cmaj7C Major 7thJazzy, bright and complex Cm7C Minor 7thJazz-blues, smoky lounge sound

How to find a guitar chord

Pick the chord's root note — the letter the chord is named after, like C, G or F# — then choose the chord type: major, minor, dominant 7th, major 7th, minor 7th, sus4, add9 or diminished. The chord finder instantly draws every common voicing on the fretboard, from the easiest open shape near the nut to movable barre and CAGED shapes higher up the neck. Each diagram shows exactly where to press, which strings to play open, and which to mute.

How to identify a chord you're already playing

If you know the notes you're fretting, a chord is named from the intervals between them: a root, a third (major or minor) and a fifth make a basic triad, and adding a seventh or extension changes the name. Match the notes you're playing against the voicings here to confirm the chord, or open the interactive trainer and build the shape to see which chord and scales fit it.

Open, barre and CAGED voicings explained

The same chord can be played in several places on the neck. Open voicings use unfretted strings for a bright, ringing sound and are easiest for beginners. Barre voicings move a single shape anywhere on the neck so one grip covers every key. CAGED voicings link five movable shapes so you can play any chord in five positions and connect them into smooth chord changes and solos. Use the position selector above to compare them and pick the voicing that fits your song.

Common questions

Learn more

Open chords for beginnersThe essential first chord shapes Barre chords for beginnersMove any shape up the neck The CAGED system5 shapes across the whole neck