C5 Power Chord on Guitar
C5 (C power chord) is made of the notes C – G. The easiest guitar fingering is x350xx (low E to high e; x = muted, 0 = open). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Easiest shape
Alternative shape
How to play C5
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3 (C).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 5 (G).
- Play the 3rd string (G) open (G).
- Do not play the 6th string (low E).
- Do not play the 2nd string (B).
- Do not play the 1st string (high e).
| String | Fret | Note | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6th string (low E) | x (mute) | - | |
| 5th string (A) | 3 | C | R |
| 4th string (D) | 5 | G | 5 |
| 3rd string (G) | 0 (open) | G | 5 |
| 2nd string (B) | x (mute) | - | |
| 1st string (high e) | x (mute) | - |
What is a C power chord chord?
A power chord (written "5") contains only the root and the perfect fifth, sometimes doubled with the octave. It has no third, so it is neither major nor minor.
Notes and formula. C5 contains C, G. Counted from the root C, that is R (root), 5 (perfect 5th).
Sound. Heavy, open and punchy. Distortion loves power chords because they do not create muddy overtones.
Where it is used. The foundation of rock, punk and metal riffs. The same shape works for major and minor songs.
Tips for playing C5
Keep the shape and slide it along the neck. The root is always the lowest note, so you can move the whole chord by moving that one finger.
Common mistake: Strumming strings that are not part of the chord. Use the fingers or palm to mute the unused strings.
Scales to play over C5
Related chords
C5 chord FAQ
What notes are in a C5 chord?
C5 (C power chord) contains the notes C, G. The formula is R–5 relative to the root C.
How do you play C5 on guitar?
The most common shape for C5 is x350xx, read from the low E string to the high e string (x = muted, 0 = open, numbers = frets). It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
Is C5 an easy guitar chord?
It is rated beginner. It needs only 2 fingers, which makes it a good chord for beginners.
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