These beginner guitar chords are used in thousands of guitar songs, and, because they are moveable, you can use them in any key (see the root note chart if you are not familiar with the note names). This works with all moveable chords as well as scales, so knowing where your root is and understanding where notes on the fretboard can be found is a powerful concept in your guitar toolbox. If I move it up to the 8th fret it becomes an F Major 7 - because the root note is not 'F'. Play that chord shape with the root note on the fret with the letter name you want your chord to have.įor example if I am playing a Major 7 chord with the root note on the 5th string, if I play that chord starting on the 7th fret, that would make it an E Major 7.

Look at what string the root is on for the chord you are playing.

The name of the chord changes depending on where you play it based on the 'Root' note. Root Notes & Moveable Chords 'Moveable' chords are shapes that can be played anywhere on the neck using the same fingering.