7 Chords to get you started
Here are seven simple chords to get you started playing guitar. There are two major chords, two minor chords, and three dominant chords, regardless of what style you want to play these are great chords to start with. They are all fairly simple to play, and they are all quite common.
Start by learning the Am and Em, practice changing these two chords back and forth. Then learn the D7, practice changing the new chord D7 to both the Em and Am. Notice when changing from the Am to the D7 the index finger on your fretting hand will not move as it stays on the same note for both chords.
Time to add the G chord to the mix. First practice changing the G to the D7, during this change the ring finger on your fretting hand remains on the first sting throughout the move. You will lift your index and middle fingers off the fret board, keeping the ringer finger fretted, then slide the ring finger over to the third fret, when you feel the fret then you want to place your middle and index fingers on their appropriate notes.
Now it is time to practice the G to the Em and G to the Am. Important when doing these changes that when you are going into the G chord lead with your middle finger on your fretting hand so that your middle finger fingers the sixth string third fret before you fret the other two fingers. This may seem awkward at first but it is the best motion to achieve a smooth change. Like everything else, use a metronome, count your rhythms, play clean, and practice in slow repetitions.
Now go ahead and learn the A7, and E7 practice changing these two chords back and forth. Then practice changing the A7 to the Em, notice how your ring finger and middle finger are on the same fret, just different stings, that makes this change a fairly simple one. Now go between the A7 and D7, another fairly easy change. Now do the same with the E7 practice changing between the E7 and Am, and E7 and D7. Then for the more difficult changes, A7 to G and E7 to G, just like before lead into the G chord with your middle finger.
Now it is time to add the E chord. Practice changing the E chord to the Am, then work E to A7, E to D7 and finally E to G, leading with the middle finger into G.
Once you can do the changes then you are ready to move on the chord progressions. All you have to do is finger the chord, strum once for every hash mark, count 1 2 3 4, use a metronome, play clean, and practice in slow repetitions.
Keep up the good work you are on your way to becoming a well rounded rhythm guitar player.