Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common questions. For step-by-step instructions, see the guide.

Is Guitar Chord Finder free?

Yes. It is free to use, with no sign-up or account.

Is anything sent to a server?

No. The chord search, the chord names, and the sound all run in your browser. Your settings are saved only in your browser. See the privacy policy.

Which tunings can I use?

Any tuning. Choose one of the presets (Standard, DADGAD, Drop D, DGDGAD, Open D, Open G, Open C, Open E, DADGBD, CGDGBD) or choose Custom and set each string. The app assumes each string is within about half an octave of standard tuning when it plays the sound. See alternate tunings explained.

Which chords can it find?

Major, m, 5, sus2, sus4, add9, m(add9), 6, 7, maj7, m7, 7sus4, m7♭5, dim, dim7, and aug, on any root, and slash chords with any bass note. When you name a shape on the fretboard, the app also recognizes 9th, 11th, and 13th chords and a few others.

What do low, middle, and high mean?

They are positions on the neck. Low is shapes up to the 4th fret (often with open strings), middle is shapes starting at frets 3 to 6, and high is fret 7 and up. The app shows up to six natural shapes in each; tap “Other shape” to see the next one.

Why is a chord missing in one position?

The app shows only shapes that are natural to play: four fingers or fewer (a barre counts as one), no fret stretch of more than four frets, the strings you play next to each other, and the root (or the slash-chord bass) as the lowest note. If no shape meets these rules in a position, that position is empty. Try another position, a slash chord, or a capo.

How do I read the diagrams?

Strings run from the 6th (left) to the 1st (right). The black dot is the lowest note, and the letters in the dots are the intervals of the chord (R is the root). A circle above the nut is an open string, and × means do not play that string. A number at the left shows the starting fret. Under the diagram, the shape is written as frets from the 6th string, such as x 3 2 0 1 0.

Can I find the name of a chord I am playing?

Yes. Switch to “Shape → chord”, choose the tuning, and press the frets on the fretboard. The app shows the chord name and other possible names. The buttons at the left switch each string between open and muted.

There is no sound.

Check that your device is not muted. On an iPhone, sound may not play when the silent switch is on. The first sound plays only after you tap a diagram or the Play button.

Does it work offline?

Yes. After you open the app once, it works without a connection. You can also add it to your home screen: on iPhone or iPad, tap Share and then Add to Home Screen; on Android, use the browser menu.

A shape or chord name looks wrong.

Please tell us on GitHub Issues with the tuning, the chord, and the shape (for example x 0 2 2 2 0).