Vertical lines
Strings
Usually low E on the left and high E on the right.
How to read guitar chord diagrams
Read any guitar chord diagram without guessing.
A chord diagram is a compact map of strings, frets and finger placement. Once the symbols are clear, the same reading method works for open chords, barre chords and compact voicings.
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The grid
Understand what the vertical and horizontal lines represent.
Most diagrams are shown as if you are looking directly at the fretboard.
Horizontal lines
Frets
The top line may represent the nut in open-position diagrams.
Dots
Fretted notes
Show where fingers press the strings.
Symbols
Open, muted and barre markings change the voicing.
Read every symbol before placing your hand.
O
Open string
Play the string without fretting it.
X
Muted string
Do not let that string sound.
Finger numbers
Fingering suggestion
Often 1=index through 4=pinky.
Barre
One finger across strings
Usually shown by a line or connected dots.
Context
A diagram shows one voicing, not the whole chord concept.
The same chord name may have many diagrams in different positions.
Root note
Chord anchor
Knowing the root helps you transpose and compare shapes.
Inversion
Bass can change
A different bass note may produce an inversion or slash chord.
Voicing
One arrangement
The diagram is one playable arrangement of the chord tones.
FAQ
Quick answers about how to read guitar chord diagrams.
Use these answers as a reference, then explore the relationships interactively.
Which string is on the left of a guitar chord diagram?
Most standard diagrams place the low E string on the left and the high E string on the right.
What do X and O mean on a chord diagram?
X means mute or do not play that string; O means play the string open.
Does one chord name have only one diagram?
No. A chord can have many voicings, inversions and positions across the fretboard.
ChordRevelation
Move from explanation to interactive harmony.
Change the key, compare voicings, follow voice leading and see the same idea directly on the fretboard.