Open chord
An open chord is a chord played near the nut that uses at least one open (unfretted) string. It's where nearly every guitarist starts, before barre chords, which require fretting every string yourself.
What the open string actually changes
Beyond being easier to play, an open chord sounds different from an equivalent barre chord: the open string(s) ring longer and louder than a fretted one, giving open chords a richer, more overtone-heavy tone — one reason many guitarists still prefer them even once they've mastered barre chords, not just out of ease.
The sheet Blues in E — getting started uses only open chords (E, A, B7), to stay accessible right from level 1.
Open chord, barre chord, power chord: where it sits
A barre chord takes the same idea without an open string: the index finger replaces the nut, which makes the shape movable but costs the open strings' overtones. A power chord has only two notes and is neither major nor minor. The open chord is also the starting point of the five CAGED shapes: C, A, G, E and D are all open chords.
Practical tips and common mistakes
- Once the chord is fretted, play each string on its own: a fretting finger brushing a neighbouring open string is the most frequent mistake, and it goes unnoticed as long as you strum everything at once.
- Arch your fingers and play on the fingertips, not flat: that's what frees the open strings, otherwise they get muted without you realising.
- Only strum the chord's strings: an open chord doesn't always use all six (open C plays five, open D only four) — the extra string "muddies" the chord.
- Work on transitions in pairs (E↔A, A↔D, C↔G…) rather than the whole progression at once: it's the change, not the held chord, that takes time to automate.
How long does it take to change open chords without hesitating? →