How to Play The 4 Chords Used in Every Pop Song

So this is essentially a bit of a cheat to get ahead. You still aren't playing guitar but this is a quick jump ahead so while you begin learning you can still play hundreds of songs with these 4 chords and impress everyone with your ‘skills’.

Before you read this entry check out my tips about the string names, hand placement and how to read guitar tabs. I’ll be referring to the strings and fingers by name to make it easier and just because we’re skipping ahead doesn't mean you should develop bad habits, so READ ALL OF THEM.

If you already know what the deal is or if you have checked them out then let’s move one. Here are the famous 4 chords used in every pop song (In standard E tuning):

PLAY THEM IN THIS ORDER  & PLAY EVERY STRING EVEN THE ONES YOU’RE NOT TOUCHING & PRACTICE!

G CHORD

2nd fret: Index finger on the A string.
3rd fret: Middle finger on the top E string and Ring finger on the bottom E string

D CHORD

2nd fret: Index finger on the G string and Middle finger on the bottom E string.
3rd fret: Ring finger on the B string.

E (minor) CHORD

2nd fret: Middle finger on the A string and Ring finger on the D string.

C CHORD

1st fret: Index finger on the B string.
2nd fret: Middle finger on the D string.
3rd fret: Ring finger on the A string.

So its pretty easy, you just use three fingers and go between these 4 chords. The tuning and minor and all that noise we’ll pick up on later but this is just an advanced little lesson to get you jamming.