We are going to represent each finger with a number. So in the next diagrams of chords, place each of your fingers on the appropriate strings as shown below. When you�re done putting your fingers in the spots as shown, strum down on the strings near.
Are the strings ringing clearly or are they are muted? If it sounds messy, correct your fingers so they are presses correctly. A good tip is to press down securely with your thumb on the back of the guitar neck. The more closely it gets, the clearer it sounds is and you have less to push down. Plus, your fingernails should be as short as possible too. It can really get in the way with the vibration of the strings. Your other hand should just strum up and down gently on the strings.
When it comes to guitar playing - don't be afraid to dress the chords up a little.
By that, I mean try playing around with them a little. There is a million different combinations you can have with one single chord! A chord played by itself is good - but when you start to put more into it - that's what makes it really interesting.
Try doing a few pull off's and hammer on's. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about- a 'Pull off' is when you strike the guitar string allowing it to ring out slightly before you twist your finger off it again.
A hammer on is when you strike the string and hammer your next finger on while the string is vibrating. That adds tremendous interest into the sound.
Remember - a guitarist with a good grasp of rhythm and strumming patterns is often the key to a group's overall sound.