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How to Write the C-D-G Chords Indicated

When writing sheet music for the guitar, it'll often be necessary to include chord diagrams. These indicate to a player what notes to play and what finger should be on which string and which fret. Chord diagrams follow a similar style with six lines representing the six strings. Since most guitar players are right handed, the strings are written (from left to right): E, A, D, G, B, E. A circle is placed on the fretboard where a finger should be pressed. The number inside the circle represents which finger should be used, with a 1 representing the index finger, 2 the middle finger, 3 the ring finger, and 4 the pinky. At the top of the fretboard will either be an "O" or "X" for the strings that don't have a circle with a number inside of it on the fretboard. An "O" indicates that open string is also strummed, while an "X" indicates that string should not be strummed. C, D and G chords are common chords. They fit into several scales and have relatively simple fingering. Consequently, as a songwriter you might often need to write out chord diagrams for these chords.

Instructions

    • 1

      Draw six vertical lines to represent your strings. Also, draw three horizontal lines, perpendicular to the vertical lines. You'll repeat this step for each of the chords you want to indicate.

    • 2

      Indicate the C chord by drawing a circle with a 1 inside it on the first fret on the string second from the right. Draw a circle with a 2 inside it on the second fret on the string third from the left. Draw a circle with a 3 inside it on the third fret on the string second from the left. Above the fretboard, draw an X above the first string on the left, and O's above the first string on the right and third string from the right. You've now indicated the C chord.

    • 3

      Indicate the D chord by drawing a circle with a 2 inside it on the second fret on the string farthest to the right. Draw a circle with a 3 inside it on the third fret on the string one string away from the string farthest to the right. On the string to the left of that, on the second fret, draw a circle with a 1 inside of it. Above the fretboard, draw X's above the string farthest to the left and the string right next to that. Draw an O above the string two strings from the left.

    • 4

      Indicate the G chord by drawing a circle with a 4 inside it on the third fret on the string farthest to the right. Draw a circle with a 3 inside it on the third fret on the string farthest to the left. On the string to the right of that, draw a circle with a 2 inside it on the second fret. Draw O's above the fretboard on the strings that don't currently have circles with numbers on them.

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