Rolling in the "D - Family Chords"

The basic chords that make up the D - family are D, Em, G, and A. The D family introduces two new chords: Em (pronounced as "E minor") and G. Just like the previous chords presented, Em and G are also called open chords and are easy to play. We already learned the two other chords, D and A, from my previous post about the A family.

A minor chord has a distinct sound from that of a major chord that can be characterized as soft and sad. Always remember that a chord that's named by a capital letter followed by a small "m" is a minor chord.

The following figures shows the fingering the chords in the D-family:

Em Chord diagram and left-hand fingering

  

The Easiest Way To Play Basic Guitar Chords

I really like it when someone asks me to play my guitar while he or she sings. It feels great! And being able to provide an accompaniment to someone is no small feat. Sometimes, even though my voice doesn't sound that good, I try to sing my favorite songs and play my guitar at the same time. And what I found out is that, one of the best ways to pickup basic guitar chords is to play while someone sings.

A girl singing accompanied by a guitar. Photo Credits

The very first chords that I learned to play were the major chords D, A, and G.
Do you know any song that uses the chords?
Are you familiar with The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars?
Or Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles?
Both of these songs use the D-A-G chord pattern.
Actually, there are a lot of songs that use this chord pattern including the song by Alison Krauss, "When you say nothing at all",  and I bet most of you know this song.