Reference Tool

Guitar Chord Library

Browse chord diagrams for guitar, bass, and ukulele. Filter by tuning, root note, and chord quality to find the shapes you need.

What is a chord library?

A chord library shows you how to finger chords on your instrument. Each diagram displays which frets to press, which strings to play open, and which to mute. This library supports multiple tunings, so you can look up chords whether you're in standard, Drop D, Open G, or any other tuning.

Multiple tunings
Major & minor chords
7th & extended chords
Power & sus chords

Filters

No tunings match ""

No chords found for this filter.

Try selecting a different root note, quality, or tuning.

How to read chord diagrams

1

Vertical lines = strings

The leftmost line is your lowest (thickest) string. The rightmost is your highest (thinnest). On guitar, that's low E to high E in standard tuning.

2

Horizontal lines = frets

The top line is the nut (0 fret). Fret numbers count down from there. If the diagram shows "5fr", the top line is the 5th fret.

3

Dots = where to press

Put your fingertip on that fret of that string. The number in the dot suggests which finger (1=index, 2=middle, 3=ring, 4=pinky).

4

"O" = play open

An O above a string means play it without fretting. Let it ring open. This is part of the chord voicing.

5

"X" = mute

An X means don't play that string. Mute it by lightly touching it with an unused finger or the side of your fretting finger.

6

Barre = one finger, multiple strings

A thick bar across strings means lay your finger flat to press all those strings at once. Barre chords take practice but unlock the whole fretboard.

Chord types explained

Major

Bright, happy sound. Built from root, major 3rd, and 5th. Examples: C, G, D, A, E.

Minor

Darker, sadder sound. Root, minor 3rd, 5th. Examples: Am, Em, Dm.

7th (Dominant)

Bluesy, tense sound. Major triad plus minor 7th. Examples: A7, E7, G7.

Sus2 / Sus4

Open, ambiguous sound. The 3rd is replaced by a 2nd or 4th. Neither major nor minor.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to learn all these chords?

No. Start with open chords in the key of G (G, C, D, Em, Am). These cover hundreds of songs. Add barre chords and 7ths later as you progress.

Why do the same chords look different in other tunings?

Each tuning changes what notes the open strings produce. A "C" chord is always C-E-G, but where you find those notes on the fretboard changes with the tuning.

What's a power chord?

A power chord is root + 5th (no 3rd). It's neither major nor minor, which makes it versatile. Power chords are the backbone of rock, punk, and metal.

Why can't I play barre chords cleanly?

Barre chords take hand strength and finger placement. Practice holding the barre without strumming. Press close to the fret. Use your arm weight, not finger squeeze. It gets easier with time.

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