The strings that are played open are shown with a “O” at the top of the guitar chord diagram. An “X” in the chord diagram shows which strings are not played or muted. Minor Open Chords Minor Open chords for guitar in standard tuning. Minor Chords are often identified with their root note next to […]
Major Triad Forms Major triads are formed by the first (root), third, and fifth notes of the major scale. Minor Triad Forms Minor triads are formed by the first (root), flat (♭) third, and fifth notes of the major scale.
Distortion and Overdrive Distortion and overdive effects mimic the sound of a cranked tube amp by boosting the guitar’s signal and causing the sound to “clip” which creates the distortion effect. Compression Compression is used to even out the over all volume of the guitar’s input. Tremolo Tremolo is an effect created by the consistent […]
The major scale goes through seven different notes and the octave of the root note. Adding the 9th note of the scale is the same as the second note of the scale. 1 + 3 + 5 + 9 1 + 3♭ + 5 + 9 Dominant 9 Chords Dominant 9 chords add the 9th […]
The chords within a key are identified by a roman numeral, depending on what note they are within a scale, and if they are used in their major or minor form. Major chords are identified by capitalized roman numerals and minor chords are undercase. Major Key Progressions Major keys consist of notes of major scales, […]
How to Read Guitar Scale Diagrams Guitar scale diagrams are a learning tool used to find the pattern of notes to play a certain scale, and where the notes would appear on the fretboard of the guitar. Guitar Scales for Beginners An introduction to playing scales on guitar for beginners. This lesson focuses on different […]
D Mixolydian Mode Scale D E F♯ G A B C D 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 G Major Scale Pattern D Mixolydian Mode Scale Pattern The scale diagram on the left is the pattern used for a two octave Major Scale. The scale diagram to the right shows the Mixolydian Mode […]
Table of Contents A moveable guitar chord refers to different chord forms, or shapes, that can be moved to any fret while using the same group of strings, allowing you to play chords with any root note you need. Power Chords Power chords are probably the most beneficial guitar chords for most beginning guitarists to […]
GuitaristSource.com provides free online guitar lessons as well as other information relating to guitars and playing the guitar. Our online guitar lessons include basic lessons on guitar scales, guitar chords, guitar arpeggios (in guitar tabs, scale diagrams and chord diagrams), alternate tunings and more for guitarists. The joy of playing music should be shared as […]
Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Guitar Looking to buy your first guitar? This is a guide for what to look for and consider when buying a guitar. How to Change Guitar Strings Learn how to change the strings on Fender and Gibson style guitars. Restringing a guitar properly is one of the first guitar maintenance […]
Power chords can be played up and down the neck of the guitar, making them a very versatile guitar chord. Power chords do not use the 3rd note of the scale in the chord, so it is neither a major or minor chord. Power Chord Forms Power chords are frequently used in a variety of […]
C Lydian Mode Scale C D E F♯ G A B C 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 G Major Scale Pattern C Lydian Mode Scale Pattern The scale diagram on the left is the pattern used for a two octave Major Scale. The scale diagram to the right shows the Lydian Mode […]
The Natural Minor Scale is played by starting and stopping on the 6th note of a Major scale. The natural minor scale is also known as the Aeolian Mode or Relative Minor scale. The Formula for a Natural Minor Scale: whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step OR […]
How to Read Guitar Chord Diagrams | GuitaristSource.com
The chord used in the chord diagram above is an Open C Major chord. The thick line at the top of the chord diagram represents the nut (a piece of bone, ivory, or other material at the top of the neck that holds the strings in place) of the guitar. The vertical lines in the […]