C Chord
How to play C major on guitar — bright and settled — the default, happy-sounding chord.
- Notes
- C – E – G
- Frets (low → high)
- x 3 2 0 1 0
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Shape
- Open position
How to play C, step by step
- 1Put your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (5th).
- 2Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th).
- 3Put your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd).
- 4Leave the low E string out — mute it with the side of a finger, or just avoid it as you strum.
- 5Let the G and high E strings ring open.
- 6Strum slowly and check every string sounds cleanly; if one buzzes, press closer to the fret wire and arch your fingers so they clear the neighbouring strings.
What makes a major chord
Bright and settled — the default, happy-sounding chord.
| Note | Interval | Semitones above C |
|---|---|---|
| C | root | 0 |
| E | major 3rd | 4 |
| G | 5th | 7 |
Which keys use C?
C appears in these keys, so a song built on it is most likely in one of them. Each page shows the full chord set and the easiest capo position.
Other C chords
Same root, different colour. Swapping one of these into a progression is the quickest way to change its mood without changing the key.
Every major chord
The same shape moved around the neck. If you can play C you are a fret-slide away from all of these.
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the C chord?
- C is made of C, E, G — the root, major 3rd, 5th of C.
- Is C hard to play?
- No — C sits at x 3 2 0 1 0 and is rated easy, so it is comfortable for most beginners.
Got a chart full of chords like C?
Upload a chord sheet and move every chord into a key that fits your hands and your voice — the layout stays exactly as printed. Or let the capo calculator pick the position that turns the barre chords into open ones.