Music is also a language.
Like speech and dialects around the world, it has its own unique structure and words that we need to understand in order to effectively convey our message through songs.
In the world of guitar playing, correct reading of chord patterns is comparable with reading our first book when we were young.
Guitar Chord patterns or "Tabs" are composed of independent tones-also known as notes-- on the guitar strummed or played together.
Once you've understand how to read the chords, you will able to effectively apply the correct harmony for the song you like to play.
Though it is good to train your ears by listening to the song, reading the guitar chord pattern will help you synchronize what you've heard with the notes from which the song was transcribed.
Let's look at the diagram: E |-- B |-- G |-- D |-- A |-- E |-- These are the six chords on your guitar.
The upper E represents the thickest string of your guitar and the lower E represents the thinnest string of your guitar.
The bars on your left are what we call the "nut.
" It is where the neck of the guitar meets with the headstock.
Using the diagram, let's see how a C Major Chord looks like: E |-- x B |-3- G |-2- D |-- 0 A |--1-- E |-- 0 The numbers represent how you are going to place your fingers on the fingerboard.
Index finger is represented by number 1, middle finger is your number 2 and the ring is number 3.
You'll notice that there is a small "X" on the right end of the lower-toned E.
This represents "dead notes"-notes that you don't want to play on this particular chord.
On the other hand, the "0" represents open notes-these are notes you want to play but are not fretted.
Sometimes you will see dots instead of numbers, in which case you just need to adjust how to place your finger.
As long as the proper notes are fretted, it's okay.
There are instances when you see a number underneath the chord chart.
That represents what fret does the chord starts.
You will notice a series of "1" from string of B down to the "E" representing a bar chord.
With this scenario, you need to put your index finger on the five strings.
Illustrated below is the chord for C minor on a third fret.
E |-|-|- x B |-- 1--|-|- G |-1--|-|-3- D |-1--|-|-4- A |-1--|-2-- |- E |-1--|-|- You may also encounter chord charts displayed vertically.
Where the thicker E string is on the left chart and the thinner E string, on the right.
It is easy to study these chord charts.
With persistence, you will able to master even the most complex chords.
It is important is to challenge yourself by playing and understanding different chord patterns.