The Lickersons Chord Index

Guitar Chord Index
The following tables show various chord configurations you may encounter when playing the guitar. Each one is accompanied by a MIDI file to allow you to hear the individual notes that make up the chord as well as what the chord should sound like when played correctly. Simply click on any chord diagram to hear it.

IMPORTANT: This Chord Index uses a JavaScript function to "play" the chords for you.
You must click the BACK button on your browser after each chord is played.
A message appears in the status bar of your browser to remind you of this.

This host also displays a "Top 5 Sites" window when you click the first chord. Minimize that window... do not close it!
If you do close it, it'll keep popping up and this index will not appear to work correctly.
To avoid JavaScript errors, give a few moments before clicking another chord (the status bar should indicate the browser is done).
Be patient with us. We're trying to determine a "work-around" for these issues.

For best printing results, set the left and right page margins to .25".

NOTATIONS USED:
• indicates where your fingers are placed.
X indicates the string is not played with the chord.
O indicates the string is played "open" (not fretted).
b indicates a Flatted Chord (ex: Bb means B-flat).
m indicates a Minor Chord (ex: Em means E-minor).
# indicates a Sharped Chord (ex: A# means A-sharp).
v. indicates a variation index for those chords that show multiple variations.
Base Fret Numbers (the leftimost fret of the diagrams) are indicated in parenthesis.
| indicates a barred chord (ex: G | E (3) means a G chord barred like an E at the third fret).
/ indicates overtones of the next stated chord (ex: D / A means a D chord with overtones of an A).

ABOUT THE MUSICAL ALPHABET:
The Musical Alphabet consists of the first seven letters of the normal English alphabet (A,B,C,D,E,F,G). The eighth note is a repeat of the first, thus making one "octave" (the do-re'-me you've hear since childhood). An example 2-octave alphabet would be A,B,C,D,E,F,G,A,B,C,D,E,F,G,A. In theory, the musical alphabet is infinite on both ends.

Many guitar chords follow a 1,3,5 pattern. These patterns are counted along the musical alphabet, with the "root note" of the chord being position #1. Example: An A chord with the 1,3,5 pattern would have the notes A (1st note), C (3rd note) and E (5th note). This is sometimes referred to as a "triad" or, more properly, a "tetrachord". With this in mind:

sus indicates the numbered note following is "suspended". Normally, the numbered note actually replaces one of the notes in the tetrachord. Example: The C chord follows the 1,3,5 pattern with the notes C,E,G. Csus4 results in the pattern changing to 1,4,5, which is the notes C,F,G. As a general rule, chords of this type are used in a "transitional" manner. What this means is the sound of the chord is changed just a little to allow for a smoother sounding "bridge" from the previous chord to the one following.

add indicates that the numbered note following is "added to" the normal chord configuration (ex: Fadd2 means that, with F being note #1, the 2nd note in the alphabet, G, is added to the chord). As a general rule, these types of chords are also used in a "transitional" manner.

NOTE: What may be considered "normal" or "as a general rule" is never "carved in stone".
There will always be room to change things.

Now... On with the chords.
AND DON'T FORGET... Click the BACK Button when the chord has finished playing.

The Chords of E

The Chords of F

The Chords of G

The Chords of A

The Chords of B

The Chords of C

The Chords of D