Chord Reading Basics

How to read a guitar chord diagram
Tip: "X" mutes a string (don't play); "◯" means open string. Numbers show suggested fingering.

Finger-number legend

  • 1 = Index finger
  • 2 = Middle finger
  • 3 = Ring finger
  • 4 = Little finger (Pinky)
  • T = Thumb (rare)

Each horizontal bar is a fret; the thick top line is the nut (fret 0).

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