How to Read Chord Diagrams
Before we actually start learning some basic chords it is important to understand how to read chord diagrams. These show you where to place each finger on the fretboard and what strings to play. Have a look at the diagram below with a detailed description of each part.
Most chord diagrams you will come across look similar to the above. They may have small differences here and there but overall they work in the same way.
The diagrams are based on an “aerial view” of the guitar as if you put it on your lap facing upwards. The six vertical lines represent the six strings and from the nut downwards the frets go up in ascending order (1,2,3 etc). The black dots show the player where to position fingers and the white numbers indicate which finger to use (sometimes these won’t be included).