There is no straightforward answer to the question of which are the best beginners guitar chords to learn. You see, this really depends on what your goals are.
If you are a heavy metal enthusiast, your best bet will be to learn to play power chords, which can be easily used in any position on the neck to produce any note.
However, if you are an aspiring folk guitarist, or perhaps jazz, then power chords are quite limiting and could sound out of place.
That being said, I would recommend that you spend some time getting to grips with a chord progression that will serve you well no matter what type of music you ultimately want to play.
This chord progression is used in a multitude of songs across many different genres and can be found on any basic guitar chord chart. If you know the progression you can bluff your way through at least a hundred songs.
When I first started playing, I was taught this progression by my guitar tutor so that I could quickly play a number of my favourite songs, which he thought would encourage me to continue to learn. He was right.
These beginner electric guitar chords have served me well over the years and I still use them a lot today.
Now, you are probably wanting me to spill the beans and tell you what these magical chords are, eh? Well hold on a minute while I tell you some of the songs that they are used in. Maybe you can guess for yourself…
Some of the songs using this progression include:
Hey Ya! by OutKast, Whitney Houston’s I will Always Love You, Viva La Vida by Coldplay. I could go on, but I think I should put you out of your misery.
The chords that are best to learn on the guitar for beginners are…
G, D, Em, C
That’s right, just four little chords, which are easy to master but which will unlock the door to such a great repertoire of songs that you will be amazed.
I saw them recently in a guitar magazine under an article entitled something like, “electric guitar chords for beginners”, or “how to play electric guitar chords the right way”. Anyway, whatever the article was called, it took me right back to the beginning of my guitar career, before I knew any of the major chords on guitar, and certainly before I was able to string them together in any meaningful way.
And take a look at this guy’s performance showcasing the power and versatility of the G, D,Em, C progression.
It took me on a trip down memory lane and inspired me to share my thoughts with you so that you too can benefit from the secret sauce of four simple beginners guitar chords that unlock the door to guitar god glory. Enjoy!