Reading chord boxes (sometimes they also called chord charts or chord diagrams) is a relatively easy process, but for a beginner it can be confusing looking at all those dots and lines. Here you will learn how to read them.

Chord diagrams are the standard method of displaying various chords and how they are held. While they might follow slightly different formats, all chord diagrams show the same kind of information in about the same way.

The chord is usually noted right over the box, which is a grid representation of the strings and frets of a guitar. The low E string is the far left and the high E string is the far right. Unless otherwise noted, the top horizontal line would correspond to the nut, and each line below would be one fret higher on the neck. The space between the fret lines is the same as the space between the actual frets on the neck, so if a dot is in the space between the first and second fret lines, then you would fret between the first and second frets, which is fretting the second fret in actual fact.

How to read guitar chords is the same for all guitar chords, so you would read a beginner guitar chord in the same way as a guitar power chord from the diagram. Their names would be used to differentiate their type rather than the diagram. In addition these diagrams show how to play guitar chords by showing the fingering as well. At the top of the diagram, the X means to not play a string at all, while the O means to play an open string.

The circles show where to place the fingers (1 = index, 2 = middle, 3 = ring, 4 = pinky), and in this diagram is listed along the bottom of the diagram. Some diagrams will also directly write the finger numbers into the circle as well.

On the picture below you can see two most popular ways to display chord charts:

Chord name

In the chord name, a single capital letter, or a single capital followed only by a sharp or flat, represents a major chord — so the chord shown here is E major. Other chords are based on alterations of or additions to the notes in a major chord. For instance, Em is an E minor chord, E7 is an E dominant seventh chord... well, let's just say that chord names only get more complex as you add and alter notes.

Guitar fretboard

In ver 1: The grid of six horizontal lines and five vertical ones represents the guitar fretboard. Think of it as looking straight at the upper part of the guitar's neck from the front.
In ver 2: The grid of six vertical lines and five horizontal ones represents the guitar fretboard. Think of it as looking straight at the upper part of the guitar's neck from the front.

String

In ver 1: The horizontal lines represent the guitar strings. The vertical line at the very bottom is the low 6th string, and the top line is the high 1st string.
In ver 2: The vertical lines represent the guitar strings. The vertical line at the far left is the low 6th string, and the right-most vertical line is the high 1st string.

Frets

In ver 1: The vertical lines represent frets. The thick vertical line on the left represents the nut, where the fretboard ends. So the first fret is actually the second vertical line from the left. (Don’t let the words here confuse you; just look at the guitar.)
In ver 2: The horizontal lines represent frets. The thick horizontal line at the top represents the nut, where the fretboard ends. So the first fret is actually the second horizontal line from the top.

Fretted note

The dots that appear on vertical string lines between horizontal fret lines represent notes that you fret.

Fingering

The numerals directly below each string line (or straight on the black dot, as in ver 1) indicate which left-hand finger you use to fret that note. On the left hand, 1 = index finger; 2 = middle finger; 3 = ring finger; and 4 = little finger. You don’t use the thumb to fret, except in certain unusual circumstances.

X and O symbols

The X or O symbols directly near some string lines indicate strings that you leave open (unfretted) or that you don’t play. An X above a string means that you don’t pick or strike that string with your right hand. An O indicates an open string that you do play.