12,000 Plus Chords for the Guitar

How many chords are there? A question I have been asked many times. Truly, there is no answer to this question. A change of one finger will change the name of a chord. One formation may be called by two or more names. A chord may be played in as many as fifty or more formations! Where then, does it stop? It would be humanly impossible for a person to remember every form of every chord. Actually, the chords should be learned as the need for them arises. You can, however, choose one form of each of the most commonly used chords and begin a gradual memorization of these forms. You will find many forms of the same chord in this book. Try different forms of the same chord and choose the one which best lends itself to your accompaniment. In choosing each form listen to the sound of the chord before. Choose each chord so that a progressive flowing sound is achieved. Two or more forms of the same chord may be used one after the other so that the voicing is changed, and a “different sound” is achieved. With enough practice your chords will flow smoothly and your rhythm accompaniments will sound continually better. I have included chords which are used in the modern music of today, in folk, rock, standard and all other contemporary music. The chords that have been used in years past and are still (of course) being used today have also been included. A great need for these “new” chords has been fulfilled with the completion of this book. Many, many, many hours were spent in the writing of this book and I hope it serves you well. As always, the book was written particularly for, and with you, the guitarist, in mind. A complete explanation of all signs and symbols is given from pages A-38 through A-62.