Guitar Chord Identifier
Tap what your fingers are doing and get the chord name, the bass note and any other reading. Drop D, DADGAD, open tunings and capo included.
Tap the X/○ above each string to mute or open. Tap a fret cell to place or remove a finger.
How to Use the Guitar Chord Identifier
- Set your tuning. Standard EADGBE is selected by default.
- Use the capo dropdown if you play with one.
- Tap the fretboard to build your chord fingering. Tap the X/○ at the top to mute or open individual strings.
- Read the identified chord on the right, with alternate names and interval breakdown.
- Want to find voicings for a known chord? Type a chord name (like “Cmaj7” or “F#dim”) in the search field.
Standard Guitar Tuning
The standard tuning for 6-string guitar is E A D G B E, from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest). This tuning is nearly universal across acoustic, electric, and classical guitars. Fourths, with one major 3rd between G and B. That break in the pattern is why scale shapes shift when they cross to the B string.
Drop D gives you a one-finger power chord on the low three strings. DADGAD is common in Celtic fingerstyle. Open G is the Keith Richards rhythm tuning and a slide standard. Open D and Open E are slide tunings, with Open E just Open D a whole step up.
Common Open Guitar Chords
- Major: C, A, G, E, D, plus F, which is really a partial barre
- Minor: Am, Dm, Em
- Seventh: A7, B7, C7, D7, E7, G7
- Suspended: Dsus2, Dsus4, Asus2, Asus4
- Major 7: Amaj7, Cmaj7, Dmaj7, Fmaj7, Gmaj7
- Play G as 3-2-0-0-3-3 and your ring and pinky stay still when you move to Cadd9, x-3-2-0-3-3. Only two fingers change.
- If you cannot hold an F barre yet, x-x-3-2-1-0 is Fmaj7. It fits in most songs that call for F while you build the barre.
- With a capo, read the sounding key to the band. Capo 3 with G shapes is Bb, so tell the bassist Bb.
Barre Chords & Moveable Shapes
A barre chord uses one finger pressed across multiple strings at one fret. Replace the nut with your first finger and an E, Em, A or Am shape can move anywhere. F is the E shape at fret 1. Bb is the A shape at fret 1. The E-shape and A-shape barre chords are the two most versatile patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chord am I playing on guitar?
Tap the fret positions on the diagram to match how you're pressing the strings. The identifier analyzes the notes and shows the chord name plus alternative readings.
How do I play a chord I don't know?
Type the chord name in the search field. The tool shows playable voicings that you can click to load into the main diagram.
Which tuning should I use?
Start with standard tuning. Once comfortable, Drop D is an easy way to access heavier sounds. DADGAD, Open G, and Open D are great for fingerstyle and slide techniques.
Does the capo change the chord?
Yes. A capo raises every string by the number of frets it covers. An open C shape becomes D with a capo on fret 2, E with a capo on fret 4, and so on. The identifier applies the capo when naming your chord.
What is a slash chord like C/G?
When the lowest note isn't the chord's root, the bass note is written after a slash. C/G is a C major chord with G as the bass note.
Can I use this tool for classical or electric guitar?
Yes. The fretboard and tuning are the same. The tool identifies notes, not the timbre or technique of your guitar.
Explore More Instrument Chord Tools
- Chord Workstation: multi-instrument chord identifier with progression builder and scale compatibility
- Bass Chord Identifier: 4-string and 5-string bass chord and dyad recognition
- Ukulele Chord Finder: standard, Low G, and baritone ukulele chords
- Banjo Chord Finder: 5-string banjo in Open G, Open D, Double C, and Sawmill
- Mandolin Chord Finder: standard GDAE and Open G mandolin chords
- 7-String Guitar Chords: extended range chord chart for Standard B and Drop A
- 8-String Guitar Chords: chord chart for 8-string in standard tuning with low F#, and Drop E