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C Major Chord on Guitar

321

Open C. Keep your fingers arched so the open G and high E strings ring clearly.

The C major chord, usually just called C, is one of the first chords most guitarists learn. The open shape uses three fingers on five strings.

How to play C, finger by finger

  1. Put your index finger on string 2 at the 1st fret.
  2. Put your middle finger on string 4 at the 2nd fret.
  3. Put your ring finger on string 5 at the 3rd fret.
  4. Strum from string 5 down to string 1, and don't play string 6.

Easy C for beginners

1
Easy C, one finger

Play only the top three strings. It has the same three notes, C, E and G, and it is a good way to play songs before the full shape is comfortable.

More ways to play C

3fr1234
A-shape barre from fret 3
8fr13421
E-shape barre from fret 8
3214
Open near the nut
2fr214
Open, fret 2 from fret 2
3fr134
Open, fret 3 from fret 3
5fr4312
Movable, fret 5 from fret 5
8fr4312
Movable, fret 8 from fret 8
12fr4312
Barre, fret 12 from fret 12

Notes in C major

NoteIntervalRole
C1root
E3major third
G5fifth

Formula: 1 – 3 – 5

Questions about C

Which strings do I strum for C?

Strum from the 5th string (A) down to the 1st. Leave the low E out; if you catch it by accident, let the tip of your ring finger touch it to mute it.

Can I play Cadd9 instead of C?

Often, yes. Cadd9 (x32033) keeps C, E and G and adds D, which suits songs in G. It is a different chord, so use it where it sounds right rather than everywhere.

Often played with C

Other major chords