4 Guitar Chords That Sound Good Together

Straight out of the case, your new guitar might seem intimidating. But as this lesson will prove, major breakthroughs are right around the corner for any beginner willing to try. By mastering some simple sequences of chords (mostly) in the key of G - meaning that all of these chords relate to the G major scale - you'll be able to strum along to a bunch of great songs in no time.

You'll notice how natural and familiar the chord sequences - or, better yet, chord progressions - sound in these tunes. So many of your favorite rock, pop, R&B and country songs utilize these sorts of time-tested progressions, which we'll define below.

We're going to make this as easy as we can, starting with a two-chord tune and introducing new chords into the mix one at a time. All of these songs are in 4/4 time and use open chords, meaning that they include openly ringing strings or non-fretted notes and are played in the open position adjacent to the nut of the guitar. None of these shapes are barre chords, so, if you're not there yet, don't worry about having to flatten the digits on your fretting hand. Finally, all of these songs and their relevant chords and techniques are covered in depth at Fender Play.

Before we dig in, let's explain what's going on with those roman numerals to the right of the chord names below. Common chord progressions are mapped out using Roman numerals; capitals indicate major and lower-case signifies minor. Take this lesson on the G major scale, consisting of the notes G, A, B, C, D, E and F sharp, and you'll note how the progressions below correspond to the degrees of that scale.

Two Chords: G, C (I-IV)

Check out this lesson for rock-and-roll pioneer Roy Orbison's 1962 hit "Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream)." Below Orbison's classic vocal melody, rhythm guitarist Fred Carter Jr. strums two open chords in time. Hank Williams applies a similar strategy to his "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)," an Americana standard he premiered on record in 1952. Learn that song to further practice making a seamless transition between G and C.

Three Chords: G, C, D (I-IV-V)

Add one more chord and you've pretty much unlocked the songwriting and guitar-playing universe. Now that you've mastered the transition between the G and C chords, practice going from C to D by learning to play the Cars' 1978 hit "My Best Friend's Girl."

At this point you're a small step away from the 12-bar blues, arguably the most important progression in popular music. For some groundwork, take this essential lesson on playing through a blues form in G. Then tackle this lesson on B.B. King's first Top 40 hit, "Rock Me Baby," released in 1964 and arranged here as a 12-bar using open chords in G. It breaks down like this: four measures, or bars, of the I chord, or G; then two of the IV, or C; back to two bars of the I; followed by a bar of the V (D), the IV, the I and back to the V. If you've been listening to rock and roll, you'll most likely hear how the chords should progress almost instinctively.

So, congrats: You've just learned an endless repertoire of new tunes. You'll find the blues in every branch of American music. For a dip into blues-rock using this 12-bar progression in G, learn to play ZZ Top's "Tush." Country fans will want to take on Merle Haggard's "Workin' Man Blues."

Four Chords: G, Em, C, D (I-vi-IV-V)

This four-chord progression should be instantly recognizable, as a staple of '50s pop, early rock and roll and R&B, especially doo-wop. Try cycling through it while singing the words to the likes of "Blue Moon," "Duke of Earl" and "Stand by Me."

But this progression has turned up in plenty of rock and pop tunes since, including Concrete Blonde's "Joey," released in 1990. This poignant midtempo rocker uses alternate strumming that will help you get your chord-transitioning chops in shape.

Next Steps

You're well on your way-you've gotten your strumming hand in shape; you're moving between a few key chords with ease; and you're beginning to understand the system of templates behind songwriting. Moving forward and beyond the key of G, check out these Fender lessons on the open A, Am, E and F chords, as well as the Fender Play song lessons using these chords.

Without even thinking about it, you'll be mastering other standard chord progressions. Get the beyond-ubiquitous I-V-vi-IV progression under your belt by playing U2's "With or Without You." You'll also absorb the progressions discussed above in different keys. For starters, take this lesson on Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" to learn a I-IV-V in C.

When theory and technique turn into the songs you love, playing guitar officially becomes fun. Happy strumming!

To learn more about chords, browse Fender Play's chord library, discover other chord types, and find tips on how to master them..

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