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Step 1
Run through the basic major chords, paying attention to your finger formation when playing the E, A and D. Notice the patterns your fingers form to fret these chords. Memorize their shapes, notes and scales. The better you know these basics, the easier it will be to move chords along your guitar.
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Step 2
Start in the E chord position then move up to barre the F major chord at the second fret. Notice how you essentially maintain the "E form" and your index finger at the sixth string plays the root and marks the chord name. The "A form" played on the fifth string is similar. Fret the open A chord then move to the B, barring the second fret. Move these E and A patterns up and down the neck on the sixth and fifth strings of your guitar.
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Step 3
Use two different forms to move major chords on the fourth string. The first way arranges the notes in a fifth-root-third-root pattern. To play this form, use your index finger to fret strings four, three and two then place your pinky finger three frets up on the first string. Play the A chord on the fourth string. The 5-1-3-1 arrangement means you play the E-A-C#-A. Your index finger is at the second fret (on strings four, three and two) and your pinkie is on the fifth fret. Keep this form and move up to the fourth fret, pinkie at the seventh. This is a B major chord on the fourth string (F#-B-D#-B). Continue this pattern up and down the neck.
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Step 4
Play the second form using a root-fifth-root-third arrangement. An open D chord follows this note pattern so the finger shape on the top three strings remains the same while your index finger frets the root on the fourth string. Move this shape on your guitar by fretting the root and the playing the "D form" finger shape two frets up. To play the E major chord on the fourth string (E-B-E-G#): index finger on the fourth string, second fret; middle finger on the third string, fourth fret; ring finger on the first string, fourth fret; pinkie finger on the second string, fifth fret.
