Guitar Chord Library
Look up any common guitar chord in seconds. Choose a root note and a chord type, or just search for a name like Am7 or F sharp minor. Every chord comes with a clear chord diagram, the notes it contains, and a button so you can hear how it should sound. Free, with nothing to install.
What you can do with the chord library
- Find chords fast. Filter by root note (C, C♯, D and so on) and chord type, or type a chord name into the search box.
- See how to play it. Each chord has a diagram showing where your fingers go, which strings ring open and which to skip.
- Try other shapes. Many chords have more than one way to play them, from open shapes near the nut to barre chords further up the neck.
- Hear it. Strum the chord or pick each note one by one, then compare it with what you’re playing.
- Learn what’s inside. See the notes in each chord and where they sit on the fretboard.
- Save your favourites. Tap the heart to keep the chords you’re learning in one place.
How to read a guitar chord diagram
A chord diagram is a picture of the guitar neck standing upright, as if you’re looking at the fretboard straight on.
- Vertical lines are the strings. The thick low E string is on the left and the thin high E string is on the right.
- Horizontal lines are the frets. The thick line at the top is the nut. If the chord starts higher up the neck, a fret number shows where.
- Dots show where to press. The number in a dot tells you which finger to use: 1 is your index finger, 2 your middle, 3 your ring and 4 your little finger.
- O means play the string open, without pressing it. X means don’t play that string.
- A bar across several strings is a barre: press all of those strings down with one finger, usually your index.
Chord types explained
The library covers all 12 root notes with eight chord types, from the first chords every beginner learns to the colours that make songs sound richer.
| Type | Example | How it sounds |
|---|---|---|
| Major | G | Bright and happy. The backbone of most songs. |
| Minor | Am | Darker and more emotional. |
| Dominant 7th | E7 | Bluesy, and wants to move to the next chord. |
| Major 7th | Cmaj7 | Soft and dreamy, often heard in jazz and soul. |
| Minor 7th | Am7 | Mellow and smooth. |
| Sus2 and sus4 | Dsus2, Asus4 | Open and unresolved, great for adding movement. |
| Power chord (5) | E5 | Just the root and fifth. Punchy, and the sound of rock. |
The best chords to learn first
If you’re just starting, learn these five open chords first: E minor, A minor, D, G and C. Together they let you play along with a huge number of songs. Start with E minor, which only needs two fingers, then add one chord at a time.
Practise switching between two chords slowly before you add strumming. A minute of clean changes every day does more than an hour once a week. When you’re ready, the F chord and barre chords open up every other key.
Make your chords sound better
Buzzing or muted notes usually come down to technique: press just behind the fret, keep your fingertips upright so they don’t touch the next string, and keep your thumb low behind the neck. If chords still feel like hard work, the strings may be too high. A proper setup lowers the action so chords are easier to press and sound cleaner.
Book a guitar setup or find a pick that suits your playing in the guitar picks shop.
Frequently asked questions
How many chords are in the library?
96: all 12 root notes in major, minor, 7, maj7, m7, sus2, sus4 and power chord versions, many with more than one shape.
Can I hear what a chord should sound like?
Yes. Open any chord and tap Strum, or pick each note one by one to hear every string on its own.
What do the finger numbers mean?
1 is your index finger, 2 your middle finger, 3 your ring finger and 4 your little finger. Your thumb stays behind the neck.
Is it free?
Yes, completely. There’s no sign-up, and it works on your phone, tablet or computer.
More free guitar tools
All of these tools are part of GuitarBuddy Play, a free app with beginner guitar lessons too.