How Many Guitar Chords Are There?

How Many Guitar Chords Are There?

by

Ever had question that How Many Guiar Chords out there ? I still remember the day I started learning guitar. I looked at a chord chart and thought—How on earth am I supposed to remember all these?! If you’re feeling that way right now, trust me, you’re not alone.

In this guide, I’m going to walk you through how many guitar chords there actually are, which ones you really need to know, and how to make the learning process feel less like climbing Everest and more like jamming with friends.

So… How Many Guitar Chords Are There?

Technically? Thousands. But let’s keep it real—you don’t need to learn them all to play your favorite songs.

You’ve got:

  • Open chords – the basic ones every beginner starts with
  • Bar chords – a little tough at first, but worth it
  • Power chords – super popular in rock music
  • 7th chords, suspended, augmented, diminished… – don’t worry, we’ll get there

What matters most is knowing the types of chords, not memorizing every variation.

Start with These Essential Chords

If you’re just starting out, here’s what I always recommend:

Must-Know Open Chords:

These are the ones you’ll use in 80% of popular songs (especially Hindi songs!).

Beginner-Friendly Bar Chords:

Just these two unlock so many more songs.

Learn Bar Chords Step-by-Step

Why So Many Chords Exist (But You Don’t Need All of Them)

The truth? Music is full of creativity. So for every major or minor chord, there are countless variations:

  • G major
  • G7
  • Gmaj7
  • Gsus4
  • Gdim
READ MORE  Fingerpicking Basics: An Introduction for New Guitarists

And while that might seem overwhelming, here’s the thing: You’ll rarely use more than 20–30 chords as a beginner to intermediate player.

So breathe easy. Learn in layers—not all at once.

How I Learned Chords Without Going Crazy

I made a routine:

  1. Learn one new chord a week
  2. Practice switching between it and a familiar one
  3. Add it into a song I already love

This way, it wasn’t boring drills—it was music from Day 1.

For example, playing G – C – D – Em got me through half of Bollywood and Ed Sheeran’s discography!

Explore These Next:

FAQs from Beginners Like You

Q: Do I need to learn all the chord types?
A: Nope! Start with major, minor, and a few bar chords. Add more as you grow.

Q: What’s the easiest way to memorize chords?
A: Use them in songs you enjoy! Muscle memory builds faster when your ears are having fun.

Q: Why do my chords sound muted or buzzy?
A: It’s usually finger placement. Press down close to the fret and arch your fingers.

Why You Can Trust StrumMuse

I started this blog not as a pro, but as a learner who struggled through the basics. Everything here is based on real experience:

  • Experience: I’ve gone from clunky finger placements to smooth transitions
  • Expertise: I’ve tested these tips through countless practice sessions
  • Authority: These guides are trusted by readers and beginners like you
  • Trust: No fluff, just honest advice you can use today

Final Thoughts

Don’t stress about the How many guitar chords out there. Focus on the essentials. Enjoy the process. Play what you love.

READ MORE  All About Major Chords in Guitar: A Comprehensive Guide

The more fun you have, the faster you’ll grow. And soon, you’ll be the one teaching chords to someone else.

Keep strumming, keep smiling!

Leave a Comment