Songs and  Poetry for ESL
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Learn the 'G' chord first

There are many reasons why the 'G' chord is often learnt first.
This is what the chord shape looks like:


Picture
As soon as you try to put your fingers in those positions, you might start to feel a little awkward. You must use the correct fingers - i.e. your 3rd finger on the first string.
(If you find the chord very awkward at first, you can skip the 2nd and 3rd fingers, and only strum on the four strings - 1st to 4th.)
Your thumb, on the back of the guitar, should point towards the top end of the 6th string. Here is a photo of someone playing the 'G' chord.

Picture

Chords that go with 'G'

Songs in the key of 'G' also use 'C' and 'D7':
Picture
Again, if this is awkward at first, you can place your first and second finger and only strum the first four strings, but it is good to play the full chord as soon as you can.

The next two chords, 'D' and 'D7' are interchangeable in many situations, especially when you are just beginning. Notice that 'D' uses your little finger and will take practice if it is not very strong! (You can play it with your 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers instead, but the changes will be easier later if you learn it right to begin with.)

The Next Page

The next page will show you some more first chords (in the key of 'C') ...
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