Spanish Guitar Chords

Below are two very basic chords which all beginner guitarists need to learn at some stage – whatever the genre! Once you know the finger positions, you can move onto the rhythm section below.

E Major

How to position your fingers
Place your index finger on the first fret of the third string (G string).
Place your middle finger on the second fret of the fifth string (A string).
Place your ring finger on the second fret of the fourth string (D string).

F Major Chord (Non-Barred)

How to position your fingers
Place your index finger on the first fret of the second string (B string).
Place your middle finger on the second fret of the third string (G string).
Place your ring finger on the third fret of the fourth string (D string).
Optionally, place your pinky finger on the third fret of the fifth string (A string) for a fuller sound.

But how can I make it sound Spanish?

The answer is in the strumming - the right hand – which we discuss in depth in our rasgueos article. Flamenco guitar is much more about the right hand rhythm than it is the left hand. Take either of the chords above (or both) and apply this rhythm to it – taken from the flamenco style known as the rumba.

Rafael goes into much more depth on this in his online flamenco course– if you want to learn more fun party pieces, go check it out.