FREE 9+ Chord Chart Templates in PDF | MS Word

Charts are graphical representations containing information or data of a certain topic. These are used in businesses, health care, music, etc. There are various types of charts available such as a bar chart. A bar chart displays data through the use of horizontal or vertical lines.

Charts are useful tools when creating or composing music. Musicians can make use of a chord chart to arrange the rhythmic and harmonic progression of a song that they have written. If you are looking for chord charts, you can download from our samples and templates to help you format and outline your chord chart.

Chord Chart for Guitar

Piano Chord Chart Sample

Blank Chord Chart

Free Chord Chart Template

Banjo Chord Chart

How to Read Piano Chord Charts

When reading piano chord charts, mandolin chord charts, or any type of chart used in music, it is important to understand every element that these charts consist of. Here’s how to read a chord symbol:

• Root – the root note is where a music chord is derived from. For example, the E chord is taken from the E note.
• Type – There are various types of chords used in music. For example, if a minor type of E chord is used, then the symbol that you will see in your chord chart will show as Em, or Cm for the C chord, etc.

What Is a Chord Chart in Music?

A chord chart is a type of chart that contains musical notes, symbols, and chords. Through the use of a chord chart in music, musicians will be able to establish the rhythmic and harmonic patterns of a written song or lyric. A chord chart is an important tool especially if you want to create a song or record. By using a music chord chart, you will be able to lay out and arrange the progression of your music. Charting is always an effective method of displaying and analyzing information. Gantt charts, for example, are useful in businesses.

Bass Chord Chart Template

Chord Chart for Flute

Fiddle Chord Chart Example

Harmonica Chord Template

How to Read Guitar Chord Charts

• The first step you will have to do before you can read a guitar chord chart is to understand its parts. A chord chart contains square grids that represent the fret and the six strings of the guitar.
• In your grid, the vertical lines symbolize the frets while the horizontal ones indicate the six strings. This is where the chords are placed.
• The number indicated at the top of your chart symbolizes the fret. This will tell you where to place your chord.
• The dots on your chord chart represent where your fingers are placed on the guitar.
• Chord charts also contain symbols like x and o. A string with an “x” symbol should not be strummed while an “o” indicates to play the string open.

How to Write a Chord Chart

If you are new to writing a chord chart, we have listed the steps in creating one below. Violin fingering chart templates and organizational charts are also available for download should you need that type specifically.

• Create an outline by illustrating the six strings and the frets.
• Indicate the key signature your song is going to be in.
• Illustrate the chords on each string or horizontal line that you have created.