Open Chords
Chord shapes that use open (unfretted) strings
Open chords (also called cowboy chords) are voicings that include one or more open, unfretted strings. The open strings ring freely, giving these chords their bright, resonant sound.
Unlike barre chords, open chords are generally not movable: they work only in certain keys, because the open strings are fixed pitches. They are usually the first chords a player learns, since they are easier to fret. The CAGED system derives its five barre shapes from these open forms, and a capo lets you use the same shapes in other keys.