Using the tips of your fingers when playing chords on the guitar is essential because it helps produce clean, clear notes without accidental muting. Here are a few key reasons:

1. Avoiding Muted Strings: Using the fingertip keeps the surrounding strings open, reducing the chance of touching and muting them. This is crucial for chords that require multiple open strings.

2. Achieving Proper Angle and Pressure: The tops of your fingers are naturally rounded, which allows you to press down with more accuracy and even pressure on the strings. This helps avoid buzz and ensures each note rings out.

3. Better Finger Independence: Playing on the tips of your fingers can help improve finger positioning and independence. This is essential as you start working on more complex chords that require you to stretch your fingers further across the fretboard.

4. Reduced Finger Fatigue: Proper finger positioning helps avoid strain, especially when you need to hold chords for longer periods or shift quickly between them.

Overall, practising finger-tip positioning can improve the quality of your sound and help you develop good habits that make playing easier and more enjoyable.