How to play the C major chord on guitar
C major (C) in standard tuning (EADGBE). Play the shape x32010 from the low E string to the high E string. The chord tones are C, E, G, and the lowest sounding note is C.
Fingering chart
| String | Fret | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 6th (low E) | Muted | Not played |
| 5th (A) | 3 | C |
| 4th (D) | 2 | E |
| 3rd (G) | Open | G |
| 2nd (B) | 1 | C |
| 1st (high E) | Open | E |
Notes and intervals
Formula 1 3 5. This shape sounds each chord tone.
| Note | Degree | Interval from C | In this shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | Root (0 semitones) | Yes |
| E | 3 | Major 3rd (4 semitones) | Yes |
| G | 5 | Perfect 5th (7 semitones) | Yes |
Changing chords from C
C sounds five strings with one string muted: three fretted positions between frets 1 and 3, plus two open strings. The quickest changes leave fretted notes where they are, so the hand pivots instead of lifting off the neck. These are the chords in this library that share the most fretted notes with the C shape.
- C to C7: keep three fretted notes in place (5th string fret 3, 4th string fret 2, 2nd string fret 1), one new position to fret.
- C to Cmaj7: keep two fretted notes in place (5th string fret 3, 4th string fret 2), no new positions to fret.
- C to Am7: keep two fretted notes in place (4th string fret 2, 2nd string fret 1), no new positions to fret.
- C to Am: keep two fretted notes in place (4th string fret 2, 2nd string fret 1), one new position to fret.
Related chords
Relative minor
- Am: Relative minor of C major