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If you're looking to acquire skills and that are common to most guitarists like learning common guitar chords, you're thinking on the right track. With millions of songs out there, having a knowledge of the most common chords that guitarists use will open the door to the majority of those songs.

Deciding what the most common guitar chords used is kind of relative. I mean, you can't really take a poll or anything because new songs are being created every single day. So, here's a short list of what I personally think are the most common. Feel free to leave a comment with your opinion as well.

What are they? (in my opinion)

The Chords: 'C', 'D', 'A', 'Am', 'E', 'Em', 'G', and 'F'

e--|--0--|--3--|--0--|--0--|--0--|--0--|--3--|--1--|
b--|--1--|--2--|--2--|--1--|--0--|--0--|--3--|--1--|
g--|--0--|--3--|--2--|--2--|--0--|--1--|--0--|--2--|
D--|--2--|--0--|--2--|--2--|--2--|--2--|--0--|--3--|
A--|--3--|--x--|--0--|--0--|--2--|--2--|--2--|--x--|
E--|--x--|--x--|--x--|--x--|--0--|--0--|--3--|--x--|

Even you're not that proficient at forming chords just yet, you'll need to practice up. Even though these are common guitar chords, orienting and reorienting three or even four fingers is common.

What are some songs these are in?

These common guitar chords are used in tons of classic rock and acoustic guitar tunes. If you're trying to find them in metal or hardcore song, try again.

Just a few songs and bands that use common guitar chords:

• Most songs by AC/DC including "Back in Black" and "Shook Me All Night Long"
• Tom Petty songs including "Mary Jane's Last Dance"
• Green Day's "Good Riddance"
• Oasis's "Wonderwall" (chord variations are used)
• Van Halen's "Ain't Talkin' 'Bout Love"

Again, these are just a few, but do some study and find what songs are easy to play with these chords and you might be able to get away with a small set without learning too many more.