C Major Chord on Guitar
C (C major) is made of the notes C – E – G. The easiest guitar fingering is x32010 (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
Higher position
How to play C
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2 (E).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1 (C).
- Play the 1st string (high e) open (E).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | R |
| 4th string (D) | 2 | E | 3 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | 1 | C | R |
| 1st string (high e) | 0 (open) | E | 3 |
What is a C major chord?
A major chord is a triad built from the root, a major third and a perfect fifth. It is the basic "happy" chord and the first shape most guitarists learn.
Notes and formula. C contains C, E, G. Counted from the root C, that is R (root), 3 (major 3rd), 5 (perfect 5th).
Sound. Bright, stable and resolved. Major chords feel like home base in a major key.
Where it is used. Major chords carry the verse and chorus of most pop, rock, folk and country songs. In any major key the I, IV and V chords are major.
Tips for playing C
Strum the chord slowly and listen to every string. A single muted or buzzing string is the most common reason a chord sounds "off", so press close to the fret wire, not in the middle of the fret.
Common mistake: Letting a fretting finger lean on the neighbouring string and silence it. Arch your fingers so only the tips touch the strings.
Keys that contain C
C is a diatonic chord, meaning it occurs naturally without accidentals, in these keys:
- C major – I chord
- F major – V chord
- G major – IV chord
- A minor – III chord
- D minor – VII chord
- E minor – VI chord
Try it in a progression: browse chord progressions for every key.
Scales to play over C
Related chords
C chord FAQ
What notes are in a C chord?
C (C major) contains the notes C, E, G. The formula is R–3–5 relative to the root C.
How do you play C on guitar?
The most common shape for C is x32010, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Is C an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs 3 fingers and no barre.
Which keys contain C?
C is a diatonic chord in C major (I), F major (V), G major (IV), A minor (III), D minor (VII), E minor (VI).
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