Basic Guitar Chords: Triads & 7th Chords
Build a clear reference library of essential guitar chords with downloadable PDF charts for basic triads, barre chords and common 7th chords.
The resources below cover major, minor, diminished and dominant chord types, from simple open-position shapes to movable chord forms across the fretboard.
For more practical harmony and music theory, explore Music Theory & Rhythm.
What Are the Basic Guitar Chord Types?
The most common basic guitar chord types are major, minor, diminished and dominant 7th chords. These can be played as open chords, movable barre chords or smaller triad shapes across the fretboard.
Learning these chord types gives you the foundation for playing songs, understanding harmony and building more advanced chord shapes later on.
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Choose a chord PDF below to open and print it, or save it for later reference.
Basic Triads PDF
- Major chords
- Minor chords
- Simple first-position and open-position chords, ideal for beginners and acoustic guitar
- No sharps (#) or flats (b)
Basic Barre Triads PDF
- Different types of barre chords
- All examples shown as C chords
- Major and minor chords
- Diminished chords
Common 7th Chords PDF
- Open and first-position chords from C to B
- Easier chord shapes that also work well with a capo
- Commonly used chords for acoustic guitar
7th Chords PDF
- Several commonly used chord forms, with all examples shown in C
- Major 7 and minor 7 chords
- Dominant 7 chords
- Diminished 7 chords
Put These Chords Into Practice
Chord charts are useful as a reference, but the real progress comes from recognising chords by ear, changing between them smoothly and playing them in time.
Learn to Recognise Chords by Ear
Use Chord Hearo to train your ear to recognise different chord qualities and improve your harmonic hearing.
Practice Chord Changes in Time
Use Smart Click to practise chord changes at a steady tempo and gradually build better timing, control and consistency.
Play Chords With Drum Grooves
Use GROOVR to practise chords, progressions and rhythm guitar with drum grooves instead of playing against a static click.
Explore all free practice, ear-training and rhythm tools in Guitar Training Tools.
Frequently Asked Questions About Basic Guitar Chords
What are the basic guitar chord types?
The most common basic guitar chord types include major, minor, diminished and dominant 7th chords. These can be played as open chords, barre chords or smaller movable shapes across the fretboard.
What is a triad on guitar?
A triad is a three-note chord built from a root, third and fifth. Major, minor and diminished chords are all types of triads, and the same triad can often be played in several different positions on the guitar neck.
What is the difference between an open chord and a barre chord?
Open chords use one or more open strings, while barre chords use one finger to press several strings across the same fret. Barre chords are movable, which makes it possible to play the same chord shape in different keys.
What is a 7th chord?
A 7th chord adds a seventh to the basic triad. Common types include major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and diminished 7, each with its own harmonic sound and function.
Which guitar chords should a beginner learn first?
Beginners usually benefit from starting with simple open-position major and minor chords before moving on to barre chords and 7th chords. These basic shapes provide a practical foundation for songs, rhythm playing and later chord development.