Guitar Chords for Beginners - Campfire Chords

Campfire chords are sometimes called "easy chords", but some of them aren't quite so easy. In fact, the open F is famous for giving beginners a hard time. But these are chords you'll need to know.

However, once you learn the 15 chords here, you'll be able to play hundreds of songs. In fact, if you make a few adjustments to the key of the song by transposing its chords, you'll find that you can play about 80% of popular songs using these 15 chords.

Common Chord Progressions

Try these common chord progressions. Play them on repeat, with each chord getting four beats.

Key Tasks

1. Memorize all of the chords.
2. Practice the chords until you can play them cleanly. Each note should sound clear.
3. Compare the chords of the same letter-name to each other. How are they alike?
4. Continue learning the remaining Campfire Chords in Part 2.

The remaining chords presented here are called seventh chords. This basically means they have an extra note.

Seventh Chords

The Famous "F" Chord

This chord is somewhat difficult to play, especially for beginners. The trick is to use your index finger to push down both "F" and "C". You should also roll the finger onto its outer edge (the side of the index finger that would be next to the thumb in a curled fist.) If you're playing a bad guitar, or it needs to be set up, you may not be able to do this chord.

An Alternative F

Since the classic open F chord is so difficult to play, many beginners benefit from learning this alternative. This chord adds an extra note, "E", turning the chord into F^maj7, which will work as a substitute for F in many songs.

Common Chord Progressions

If you include the chords from Part 1, you will have enough chords to play some of the most common chord progressions in music.

Key Tasks

1. Memorize all of the chords.
2. Practice the chords until you can play them cleanly. Each note should sound clear.
3. Compare the chords of the same letter-name to each other. How are they alike?