Learn Three Guitar Chords for Beginners Using Only 3 Strings

Today we’re going to look at three different beginner guitar chords you can play using only 3 strings while strumming. Why 3 strings? Well when we’re only concerned with three strings it is easier to focus on strumming and switching between the chords. When beginners rush too quickly to try and learn 5 or 6 string chords right away they often become frustrated because their fingers don’t want to stretch as far as they need to in order to press the frets down and make the right shape.

These chords will get you started with strumming more then one string and switching between different chords and shapes without interrupting your strumming. Below there is a video that covers the same information as the rest of this post so feel free to watch it right now if you’d like.

A quick explanation of the guitar tab I’ve used below to explain the chords. An X means you do not play that particular string, a number means you play that string but pressing the fret which corresponds to the number being shown and a 0 means you don’t play any frets on that string just strum it open.

Beginner Three String C

E — 0 —
B — 1 —
G — 0 —
D — X —
A — X —
E — X —

To play the C chord simply press the first fret on the B string with your first finger and strum the bottom three strings.

Beginner Three String G

E — 3 —
B — 0 —
G — 0 —
D — X —
A — X —
E — X —

To play the G chord press the 3rd fret on the E string down with your third finger and strum the bottom three strings.

Beginner D7 Chord

E — 1 —
B — 2 —
G — 1 —
D — X —
A — X —
E — X —

To play the D7 chord you must use three fingers at once instead of just one. To play the chord you use your second finger on the 1st fret of the E string, your third finger on the 2nd fret of the B string and your first finger on the 1st fret of the G string.

That’s it, you’ve learned your first three string chords. Practice them first on their own and then incorporate switching between them. You’ll find that changing the position of your fretting hand at the same time you try and maintain a steady strum will be difficult at first.

For more information watch this video below that walks you through each of these 3 chords and also gives you a practice exercise to try using the chords.

Interested in learning more beginner guitar chords? Why not try a self study learn to play guitar dvd? Home study guitar courses are becoming the private lesson of the 21st century, and with online support they’re almost as good as having a private teacher at home with you.