What do the numbers inside the circles mean?

The numbers represent which fretting-hand finger to use: 1 = index finger, 2 = middle finger, 3 = ring finger, 4 = pinky finger. This is the standard fingering notation used in chord books worldwide.

What does X above a string mean?

An X means that string should not be played — either mute it with your fretting hand or avoid picking it altogether. An O means play the string open (unfretted).

Are these open-position or barre chords?

These are the most common open-position voicings for each chord, using familiar beginner-to-intermediate fingerings. Barre-chord versions are not shown here — the open shapes work well for most acoustic and electric playing.

Why do some chords only show 5 or 4 strings?

Certain chord shapes work best when the lowest one or two strings are omitted because including them would add a note that clashes with the chord quality (e.g., the low E string is often avoided in C major chords).

How do I read the fretboard diagram?

The diagram shows the first 5 frets. Vertical lines are strings (low E on the left, high e on the right). Horizontal lines are frets. Filled circles show where to press your fingers; the number inside is the recommended finger.

What tuning do these chords assume?

All diagrams assume standard guitar tuning: E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4 (from lowest to highest string), the most common tuning for acoustic and electric guitar.

Guitar Chord Finder

Name: Guitar Chord Finder
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Pick a root note and chord type to instantly see the fretboard diagram and finger positions for that guitar chord.

Select a Chord

Root Note

Chord Type

G major

Notes in this chord

Intervals

Fretboard Diagram

Standard tuning E A D G B e

EADGBe

Fretted note (number = finger)

Open string (O)

X Muted / do not play

String-by-string

Summary

Pick a root note and chord type to instantly see the fretboard diagram and finger positions for that guitar chord.

How it works

Select a root note from the 12 chromatic pitches (C through B).
Choose a chord quality: major, minor, dominant 7th, major 7th, minor 7th, sus2, or sus4.
The fretboard diagram updates instantly showing which strings and frets to press.
Circles with numbers show which finger to use (1=index, 2=middle, 3=ring, 4=pinky).
An X above a string means do not play it; O means play it open.
Use the chord notes list below the diagram to understand the theory behind the chord.

Use cases

Beginners learning their first open chords on guitar.
Intermediate players expanding their chord vocabulary.
Songwriters quickly checking voicings in different keys.
Music teachers preparing lesson materials for students.
Guitarists transposing songs to a capo-friendly key.
Session musicians referencing less common chord shapes.
Practice reference while learning a new song by ear.
Quick lookup of extended chord shapes (maj7, m7, sus) without a chord book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-07-01 · Reviewed by Nham Vu