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Up until this point, we've dealt with only major, minor, and 5th(power) chords. While these are all extremely common, there are many other types of chords, each of which have their own unique sound. The 7th chord (aka the 7 chord) is one of these many different chords. This week, we'll look at a few of these 7th chords, in open position (not barre chords).
 Playing a G7 chord
Start playing the G7 chord by placing your third finger on the third fret of the sixth string. Next, put your second finger on the second fret of the fifth string. Lastly, place your first finger on the first fret of the first string. Make sure your fingers are nicely curled, and give the chord a strum. Voila! Notice that this G7 chord looks quite similar to a Gmajor chord - only one note is different.
 Playing a C7 chord
The C7 chord shouldn't give you too much trouble - it again is very close in formation to a Cmajor chord, with only one note being different. Play this chord as follows - form a Cmajor chord, by placing your third finger on the third fret of the fifth string, your second finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your first finger on the first fret of the second string. Now, place your fourth (pinky) finger on the third fret of the third string. Strum the bottom five strings, and you're playing a C7 chord.
 Playing a D7 chord
As with the previous two chords, you'll notice the D7 chord is rather similar to the Dmajor chord. Start by placing your second finger on the second fret of the third string. Next, place your first finger on the first fret of the second string. Lastly, put your third finger on the second fret of the first string. Strum the bottom four strings, and you're playing a D7 chord.
Remember:
- In all cases, you should be checking each chord for accuracy by playing strings one at a time. If each string does not ring clearly, find out why not, and correct the problem.
- Be sure you're not strumming strings with an "x" above them in the diagrams. Playing these strings will almost always result in chords sounding yucky.
- Practice moving from chord to chord, saying each one aloud as you're playing it. It is very important to memorize the chord name as well as the chord shape.
Let's move on to learning more barre chords.
Next page > Barre Chord Basics > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
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