Guitar Chord Lookup
Guitar Chord Lookup shows how to play any chord on guitar. Search a chord or pick a root and type to see up to six shapes along the neck, easiest first, each with a chord diagram and the fret, finger and note on every string. Every shape is checked note by note, and it works for 36 chord types in every key, including slash chords like D/F♯. Free, with no signup.
How to look up a guitar chord
- 1
Find the chord
Type a chord name such as G, F#m7, Cadd9 or D/F#, or pick a root note and a chord type.
- 2
Choose a shape
Shapes are listed easiest first, one per position on the neck: open chords near the nut, then barre and higher shapes.
- 3
Read the diagram
Strings run from low E on the left to high E on the right. × means don't play the string, ○ means play it open, and the numbers are fingers: 1 index to 4 little finger. The table lists each string's fret, finger and note.
- 4
Play and share it
Strum the shape to hear it, open a related chord or a progression that uses it, or copy a link to the chord.
Shapes worked out for every chord
Common chords start with the standard shapes guitarists learn first, such as x32010 for C and 133211 for F. Every other chord gets shapes worked out from its notes, so even chords like Cmaj7#11 or E♭13 have playable diagrams. Each string shows its note and interval, so you can see why the shape works.
Spelled the way chord charts write them
Chord names and notes are spelled from the root, the way sheet music and chord charts write them: B♭m7 is B♭ D♭ F A♭, not A♯m7. The same chord engine runs the Chord Finder and the Piano Chord Lookup, so the notes always match across the three tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I read a guitar chord diagram?
The vertical lines are the strings, low E on the left and high E on the right, and the horizontal lines are the frets, with the nut at the top. Dots show where to press, numbered by finger: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger. × means don't play that string and ○ means play it open. A bar across several strings is a barre held down by the index finger.
Why are there several shapes for one chord?
The same notes can be played in different places on the neck. Open shapes near the nut are usually easiest; barre shapes can be moved up and down the neck to play the chord in any key; higher shapes sound brighter. The tool shows up to six, one per position, easiest first.
What's the difference between open and barre chords?
Open chords use strings played with no fret pressed, so they only work in certain keys and positions. Barre chords press several strings with the index finger across one fret, which lets one shape play the chord at any position — the F major shape 133211 moved up two frets is G major, 355433.
Why does a shape leave out a note of the chord?
Big chords often have more notes than a guitar shape can hold comfortably, so the 5th — and in larger chords sometimes the 9th — is left out, as guitarists usually do. Those notes are marked optional; every shape still includes the notes that define the chord.
Can I look up slash chords like D/F♯?
Yes. Type the chord with its bass note after a slash, such as D/F#, C/E or G7/B. Every shape puts that note on its lowest sounding string.
Are the shapes checked?
Yes. Every shape is checked so that each string you play sounds a note of the chord, every required note is included, the bass note is on the lowest string, and the fretted notes fit within four frets.
Can it help me find chords for a progression?
Each chord lists common progressions that use it, and selecting any chord in them opens its shapes. To build a progression in any key, use the Chord Progression Generator, then look up each chord here.
Is the guitar chord lookup free?
Yes. It's free to use with no signup.
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About Guitar Chord Lookup
See any guitar chord as diagrams, with up to six checked shapes along the neck and the fret, finger and note on every string. 36 chord types. MusicToolSet provides free online music tools for musicians, producers, DJs, and music students. No signup required, no downloads needed — use every tool right in your browser.