← Guitar · Rhythm · about 20 min
Your first chord progression
Four chords that fit together: G – C – D – Em.
Chords that belong together
A chord progression is a series of chords in order. G, C, D, and Em all belong to the key of G, so they sound good together.
Thousands of songs use progressions like this one.
The four chords
A big, full chord. Ring all six strings.
Two fingers. Ring all six strings.
A staircase shape. Skip the thickest string.
A small triangle on the thinnest strings. Play only the four thinnest.
Dots are where to press. Numbers are fingers (1 = index). ○ = open string, × = don't play it.
Play it
One strum each
G, Em, C, D, with four beats on each chord. Start at 60 beats per minute.
Add the pattern
Use the strumming pattern from the last lesson. Keep your hand moving.
Loop it
Play the four chords around and around. When it feels smooth, speed up a little.