C Guitar Chord

To play the C Major chord on guitar, find the notes C, E, G across the fretboard.

The root C typically goes on the 6th or 5th string. Use the interactive fretboard above to see exact finger placement for this triad chord shape.

The C Major guitar chord contains 3 notes: C, E, G.

These are derived from the major interval formula applied to the root C.

The most common guitar voicing for C uses a root position with C on the 6th or 5th string.

The exact frets depend on your preferred voicing — the interactive fretboard above shows a recommended open or barre position shape.

C is a triad, making it accessible for beginners.

Focus on clean fretting of each 3 notes and strumming only the target strings.

A barre chord version of C uses your index finger pressed across all strings at a specific fret, with the remaining fingers forming the chord shape.

The root C determines the barre position on the 6th or 5th string.

C works naturally as the tonic in C major.

Common progressions include I–IV–V (C–F–G) and I–V–vi–IV (C–G–Am–F).

The C chord contains the same notes (C, E, G) on both instruments.

On guitar, the voicing depends on string selection and fret position, creating a different timbre. Guitar chords often include string-specific articulations like hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Open major chords like C are possible when C is one of C, A, G, E, or D.

These are the five CAGED open chord shapes that form the foundation of guitar playing.

The C chord contains the same notes (C, E, G) on both instruments.

However, the guitar has 6 strings in EADGBE tuning while the ukulele has 4 strings in GCEA tuning, so the finger shapes are completely different.

Practice moving between C and its neighboring chords in the key of C major: F and G.

Use a metronome at a slow tempo (60 BPM) and focus on clean, simultaneous finger placement.