How to Read a Guitar Chord Chart

A chord chart is the simplest way to learn a song: the chords are written above the lyrics, showing you exactly when to change. Here's how to read one.

Chords above the words

On ReanChord, a chord like [C] or [Am] sits directly above the syllable where you change to it. You play that chord and keep strumming until the next chord appears. That's the whole system — change chords in time with the words.

Sections and bars

• [Intro], [Verse], [Chorus] mark the parts of the song.
• A | (bar line) helps you keep time, grouping beats into measures.

Reading the shapes

If you also see a small grid diagram, it represents the guitar neck: vertical lines are strings, horizontal lines are frets, and the dots show where to put your fingers. An X above a string means don't play it; an O means play it open.

Practise reading slowly

Start by clapping or humming the melody while you point to each chord change. Once you know when the changes happen, adding the chord shapes is much easier. Use ReanChord's autoscroll so the sheet moves as you play, and increase the font size to read comfortably.

Next steps

Make sure you know the 8 essential chords, then try our beginner's guide to studying Khmer chords.

— Written by the ReanChord team.