These eight chords cover a huge number of folk songs, bluegrass tunes and children’s songs. Don’t learn them all at once – add one new chord a week and practise it together with the ones you already know.
The core chords in G major
In the key of G major, G, C and D (or D7) are the three main chords. They’ll get you through most simple songs.
GCDD7Minor chords: Em and Am
Minor chords sound softer and often a bit thoughtful (more in major and minor). Em is easy on the banjo: string 4 at fret 2, string 1 at fret 2, the middle strings stay open. Am takes four fingers – one for a little later.
EmAmG7 and F
G7 is easy: just one finger on string 1 at the 3rd fret. It likes to lead to C. F needs four fingers and some strength – take your time and be patient with yourself.
G7FHow to practise a new chord
- Place your fingers slowly, one at a time, while looking closely at the diagram.
- Pluck each string on its own. Does every one ring clearly? Then the shape is right.
- Lift your hand off, shake it loose and place the shape again. Ten times in a row is a good exercise.
- Then switch between the new chord and one you already know – for example G and Em.
A good learning order
- G, C, D7
- Em and G7
- D
- Am and F