Basic CAGED Guitar Chord Diagrams

This page includes the 15 basic 'open' guitar chords with tablature diagrams, downloadable pdf eBook, photos and mp3 sound files.

These beginner chords are limited in that not all chords of all keys can be played in this open position. [Called open position because some strings are open, or don't have a finger pressing them down].

These basic open position chords are also know as the 'caged' or c-a-g-e-d chord system.

You will also note that along with each photo I have also shown what keys each chord can be found in. Just for your information.

The C Major Chord

NOTE: The 3rd finger should just touch the 6th string to 'mute' it so it doesn't sound when playing the chord.

Keys:
1 of C major
4 of G Major
5 of F Major

Click to play C Major chord

The G7 Chord

The G7 is a dominant 7th chord and is always the 5 chord. of the key.

Keys:
5 of C Major

Click to play G7 chord

The A Major Chord

Keys:
1 of A Major
4 of E Major
5 of D Major

Click to play A Major chord

The E7 Chord

The E7 is a dominant 7th chord and is always the 5 chord of the key.

Keys:
5 of A Major

Click to play E7 Chord

The G Major Chord

Keys:
1 of G Major
4 of D Major
5 of C Major

Click to play G Major Chord

The D7 Chord

The D7 is a dominant 7th chord and is always the 5 chord. of the key.

Keys:
5 of G Major

Click to play D7 Chord

The E Major Chord

Keys:
1 of E Major
4 of B Major
5 of A Major

Click to play E Major Chord

The B7 Chord

The B7 is a dominant 7th chord and is always the 5 chord. of the key.

Keys:
5 of E Major

Click to play B7 Chord

The D Major Chord

Keys:
1 of D Major
4 of A Major
5 of G Major

Click to play D Major Chord

The A7 Chord

The A7 is a dominant 7th chord and is always the 5 chord. of the key.

Keys:
5 of D Major

Click to play A7 Chord

The A Minor Chord

Keys:
1 of A Minor
2 of G Major
3 of F Major
6 of C Major

Click to play A Minor Chord

The E Minor Chord

Keys:
1 of E Minor
2 of D Major
3 of C Major
6 of G Major

Click to play E Minor Chord

The D Minor Chord

Keys:
1 of D Minor
2 od C Major
3 of Bb Major
6 of F Major

Click to play D Minor Chord

The F Major Guitar Chord

NOTE: The first finger should press down both the 1st (E) and 2nd (B) strings.

Keys:
1 of F Major
4 of C Major
5 of Bb Major

Click to play F Major Chord

The C7 Guitar Chord

The C7 is a dominant 7th chord and is always the 5 chord. of the key.

Keys:
5 of F Major

Click to play C7 Chord

Here's a printable pdf e-book file of the basic open position CAGED chords. Also includes some practice tips.

You can save it to your computer and print it out.

Basic guitar chords tab

NEXT: Chords of the Major Scale - Chords are constructed from scales. The most important scale is the Major scale. It helps a lot to know what chords belong to what scales.

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