0 2 2 0 0 0x 0 2 2 1 0x 3 2 0 1 03 2 0 0 0 3x x 0 2 3 2Shapes run from low E to high e. 0 = open string; x = do not play. Standard tuning.
Read the shape from thick to thin
In a shape such as x 0 2 2 1 0, the six positions refer to low E, A, D, G, B and high e. A number is a fret; 0 is an open string; x is a string to leave out. These shapes assume standard tuning. Keep your thumb comfortable behind the neck and avoid squeezing harder than necessary.
Em · 0 2 2 0 0 0
Fret the A and D strings at the second fret. Play all six strings. Start by picking each one separately: low E, A, D, G, B, high e. Two fretted notes make this a useful first shape for practising clear contact and relaxed open strings.
Am · x 0 2 2 1 0
Start your strum on the A string. Fret D and G at fret 2 and B at fret 1. The first-fret finger often brushes high e; arch it slightly and test that open string alone. Move slowly between Am and Em before adding more shapes.
C · x 3 2 0 1 0
Fret A at 3, D at 2 and B at 1. Leave G and high e open. Play from A, leaving low E out. Notice that Am and C share notes and can share two fingers. Practise keeping those fingers light while the third finger moves.
G · 3 2 0 0 0 3
This common open G shape uses low E at 3, A at 2 and high e at 3. Other useful G fingerings exist; this is one starting point. Let the middle open strings ring without touching the underside of a fretting finger.
D · x x 0 2 3 2
Play only the four thinnest strings, starting with open D. Fret G at 2, B at 3 and high e at 2. Pick those four strings slowly. Practise aiming your strum at the D string before trying a full rhythm.
Turn shapes into practice
Choose one pair, not all five at once. Play four slow beats on each chord for two minutes. Track clean, on-time changes rather than total repetitions. Use the free Chordharbor reference for more diagrams and alternative fingerings; use Guitar Studio when you want the reference and your learning progress on your phone.
One Riff One Day editorial guide · Updated 31 October 2026