Mandolin Chords for Beginners

How to play G, C, and D major chords

Now that you have a good handle on your strumming technique, let's add in the fretting hand and learn some chords! After learning these three simple chord positions, you'll be able to play most bluegrass songs in the key of G.

7 Video Lessons

1

FreeDeveloping Proper Fretting Hand Technique

And how to play the G major chord!

In this lesson, you'll learn how to position your fretting hand behind the neck and how to play your first chord.
2

FreeThe C Major Chord

Fingering and Practice

The C major chord shape is similar to the G chord in that you're using the same fingers on the same frets. The only difference is what strings they are on.
3

How to Change from G to C

And developing coordination between your right and left hands

Changing chords is an essential skill to master when playing a stringed instrument. Fortunately for us mandolin players, we have it pretty easy at first!
4

The D Major Chord

Creating the Chord Shape and How to Practice

The D major chord is a different shape than your G and C chords, but it still only uses two fingers.
5

How to Change from G to D

Practice Using Visualization

Changing from G major to D major is a little more complicated than G to C, but it's not difficult. Let's look at the process of switching between these two chords.
6

How to Switch Between G, C, and D

Learning Your First Chord Progression

The chord progression you're learning in this lesson is GDCD. Before trying to play with the tab, just strum once through that progression. Isolate the chord changes and smooth them out if need be....
7

Combining G, C, and D Chords Part #2

A Different Chord Progression

The chord progression in this exercise is GCGD, which is a very popular one in bluegrass and folk music. Once again, strum through each of these chords once and notice any difficulties in switching...

FreeDeveloping Proper Fretting Hand Technique

FreeThe C Major Chord