In this lesson, we will look at a guitar chords and strumming patterns guide for beginners. This will introduce essential chords every beginner should know with basic strumming patterns that will teach you how to use them, and simple to understand diagrams and practice tips.
Learning to play the guitar can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. For beginners, understanding basic chords and strumming patterns can sometimes be challenging. That is why I created this guide. To make it easier to understand and make playing chords a bit more enjoyable as you get started on your musical journey.
Basic Guitar Chords
Chords are the foundation of many songs. As a beginner, it's helpful to start with some of the most common chords. Here are a few essential chords you should learn:
1. E Minor (Em) Chord
- Fingers: Use your index finger on the second fret of the A string (5th string) and your middle finger on the second fret of the D string (4th string).
- Sound: Play all six strings for a rich, full sound.
2. A Major (A) Chord
- Fingers: Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string, middle finger on the second fret of the G string (3rd string), and ring finger on the second fret of the B string (2nd string).
- Sound: Strum from the A string down, avoiding the low E string.
3. D Major (D) Chord
- Fingers: Position your index finger on the second fret of the G string, middle finger on the second fret of the high E string (1st string), and ring finger on the third fret of the B string.
- Sound: Strum from the D string down.
4. G Major (G) Chord
- Fingers: Place your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string, your index finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string.
- Sound: Strum all six strings.
5. C Major (C) Chord
- Fingers: Position your ring finger on the third fret of the A string, middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and index finger on the first fret of the B string.
- Sound: Strum from the A string down, avoiding the low E string.

Basic Strumming Patterns
Strumming patterns give rhythm to your playing and are crucial for accompanying songs. Here are a couple of easy strumming patterns to practice:
1. Downstrokes Only: G, C, & D major
This progression is in the key of G major. It uses the G, C, and D major chords. This is called a 1-4-5 progression. Utilizing these chords within the scale. Probably the most common progression in popular music. Make sure to strum each chord with a downward motion 4 times each.
- Pattern: Down, Down, Down, Down
- Count: 1, 2, 3, 4
- Tip: Focus on keeping a steady rhythm. This is a simple pattern, great for beginners.
2. Down-Up Pattern: D, G, & C major
This progression is in the key of C major, except it starts with the D major chord. This progression would be a 2-5-1. Similar to the previous progression, but beginning on the 2nd chord in the key instead of the first. This gives it a different feel and tone. Make sure to add the upstroke when strumming this pattern.
- Pattern: Down, Up, Down, Up
- Count: 1, 2, 3, 4
- Tip: Keep your wrist relaxed. This pattern is versatile and commonly used in many songs.
3. Down, Down-Up, Up, Down-Up: G, Em, C, & D major
This is another progression in the key of G major, but this one uses the E minor chord as well. This progression also utilizes two chords within a single measure. Giving it a different type of tone. This is another very popular progression, the 1-6-5-4. Many popular songs have used this progression.
With this example, you will play the last two chords only two times each for the strumming pattern, as it's quite different from the others. Take your time to get it correct. This could spark your next creative composition.
- Pattern: Down, Down-Up, Up, Down-Up
- Count: 1, 2, 3, and 4, and
- Tip: This more complex pattern adds variety and is great for practicing dynamic strumming.
Practice Tips
- Start Slow: Begin practicing each chord and strumming pattern slowly to ensure accuracy. Make sure each chord is formed properly, and that you strum each one consistently. Keep a slow, even tempo and listen for the changes and the rhythms that are created.
- Use a Metronome: This tool is very popular for developing timing, cadence, and rhythm. It can help you keep a steady tempo as you improve, as well as allow you to speed up over time. An excellent tool for many applications when it comes to learning to play the guitar.
- Keep your wrist relaxed: Make sure to keep your wrist relaxed and separate from your arm. You don't want your strumming to be stiff. You want it to be loose, so that you can strum both down and up and in different timing sequences. The only way to do this effectively is to keep your wrist relaxed.
- Make sure you have the right pick: The type of pick you use can make a huge difference in your strumming. One that is too thick won't bend enough when striking the strings. One too thin will bend too much. Try out a few different ones to find what works best for you.
- Be Patient: Mastery takes time and repetition, so be patient with your progress. This is one thing that cannot be stressed enough. It is common to want to go fast, but if you develop patience, diligence, and a little discipline, these things will go a long way. Not only in your guitar playing, but also in other areas of your life.
- Record Yourself: Listening to recordings of your practice can help identify areas for improvement. The reason for this is that you listen to yourself from an outside perspective. You can clearly hear where your progress is. What you are doing right, as well as what needs improving.
By practicing these basic chords and strumming patterns, you'll build a solid foundation for playing the guitar in this fashion. Once you get your strumming developed, you can begin to build the solid foundation of playing the guitar. There are many different ways a person can approach playing the guitar. That is why it is so popular, but strumming is the most common. Start here first.
This will allow you to get familiar with chord changes and develop hand-to-hand coordination. Work with a metronome if you need to. This will help you stay consistent and develop rhythm. This is the basic foundation of guitar playing, so don't overlook it. Remember, taking time to build a solid foundation will make everything you learn later easier.
A Few More Common Chords To Practice
A7 chord
B7 chord
C7 chord
D7 chord
E7 chord
G7 chord
These are additional chords that can easily be learned, formed, and used in your development. They are a different type of chord. I won't go into full detail why, but these are very popular as well and will produce a different type of sound.
Learn them, use them in your strumming, and add them to your chord vocabulary. Be sure to experiment and be creative. Don't just play what has been presented; go beyond that. Mix, match, and create your own strumming patterns. As you do, you will hear bits and pieces of songs, and this is where the fun begins.
Dive Deeper
If you'd like to learn more about guitar chords and how to use them, I recommend you check out one or more of the books that I have authored on the subject.
Acoustic Guitar Basics is a great way to get started with the acoustic guitar. A starting point for the total beginner. Taking you through the steps needed to build a solid foundation, as well as self-confidence in the
process.
Strumming To Success is another beginner-friendly book that shows you the history of the acoustic, as well as types of acoustics, and which is best to choose from. Along with chords, strumming, and everything else.
And if you'd like to take your learning even further as to why the chords are named as such, and the theory behind them, I recommend you check out my book, Learn Guitar Chord Theory.
This book is designed to show you the inner workings of guitar chords. Their names, how they're formed, and how to understand them in practical application.
All books are designed with step-by-step lessons, diagrams, notation, and a complete understanding of all lessons. These books, and more that I have authored, will help you to excel in your guitar playing in many different areas. They can all be found on my website in digital format, which can be instantly downloaded.
These books can also be found in print, where all books are sold throughout the world. So, if you'd like to take your guitar playing to the next level, check out one of my books, and if you need any help, feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to help. Thanks for your time today, and I hope you learned something. Good luck with your guitar playing, and take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins
