The G and C chords

G and C spread your fingers wider than the chords so far, so they take a little longer to feel comfortable. They are worth it. With G, C and D you can play more songs than you could learn in a year.

• Finger 2 on the low E string, third fret.
• Finger 1 on the A string, second fret.
• Finger 3 on the high E string, third fret.
• Strum all six strings.

The middle three strings ring open, so your fingers have to arch high over them. Keep your thumb low behind the neck, which lets your fingers stretch further.

Many players prefer this version. It sounds a little fuller, and it makes the change to C easier later.

Fingers 2 and 1 stay where they were. Finger 3 goes on the B string at the third fret, and finger 4 on the high E string at the third fret. Try both versions and use the one that feels better.

• Finger 3 on the A string, third fret.
• Finger 2 on the D string, second fret.
• Finger 1 on the B string, first fret.
• Don't play the low E string. Strum from the A string.

The high E and G strings ring open, and they are easily muffled. Arch your fingers, especially finger 1, so the open high E rings under it.

G and C sit next to each other in countless songs. Change between them, four strums each.

Move your fingers as a group rather than one at a time. Look at where each finger has to go before you move, then move them all at once. Slowly and accurately is much better than quickly and messily. Speed comes by itself.

That sequence, G to C to D and home again, is the backbone of a huge amount of folk, country and pop music. You will be able to play dozens of songs with it.