How to read a chord chart
A chord chart is the map of a song: one box per bar, with the chord to play inside. It’s the most common way to write out a song for strumming along.
One box = one bar
Each box in the chart is a bar, usually four beats long. The chord written in the box plays for the whole bar, with whatever strumming pattern you like.
Example
Here: one bar of G, one of D, one of E minor, one of C.
Sections
A song is split into sections: intro, verse, chorus, sometimes a bridge before the last chorus. A chart gives each section once, with the number of repeats (“× 2”) or the song order at the top of the page.
Common symbols
- Two chords in one box: each one lasts half the bar, so two beats.
- % or an empty box: repeat the chord from the previous bar.
- N.C. (no chord): don’t play a chord during that bar.
- Capo 2: the chords written are shapes to play with the capo at the 2nd fret.
- A slash (G/B): a G chord with B in the bass.
Practice
The lesson Playing your first full song has you read and play a complete chart, verse and chorus.