C chord (C major)

C major is one of the first chords you should learn for guitar. And it is not because you want to be playing in key of C major, no. C major is one of the main chords in the key of G which I believe everyone should learn first.

C major chord diagram showing recommended finger position
C major chord diagram showing recommended finger position

Let’s look into what C major is from music theory perspective, and then I’ll show you couple finger positions for it.

What is C major chord

From music theory perspective C major chord is probably the easiest to learn and understand.

  • Chord formula: 1 – 3 – 5
  • Chord notes: C – E – G
  • Alternative names: CM, CMa, Cmaj, CΔ
  • Common functions: IV-chord in G major key and of course I-chord in C major key

C major is one of the first chords that piano players learn. It is very easy to play on the piano, but it is not so easy to play on the guitar.

How to play C major chord

There is nothing particularly tricky about playing basic C major chord shape. Finger position is relatively straight forward, just make sure to skip the 3rd string!

C major chord guitar diagram
Start building C major chord form the 3rd finger

I prefer to place 3rd finger first, anchor it and then form the rest of the the chord from there. There is a bit of a stretch between 2nd and 1st fingers.

Note the pattern formed by 3rd and 2nd finger. It is exactly the same as the one used for G major except shifted one string down. That’s why it is best to practice C chord together with G.

C/G (C over G)

Low E string is not played. Even thought note E is in the C chord placing it in the bass muddies the chord, so it is typically omitted. There is however an alternative shape that includes low E string.

C/G (C over G) chord diagram
C/G is a great alternative to basic C chord

Technically this version of C major should be called C/G (“C slash G” or more commonly “C over G”). Because of the added 5th C/G sounds fuller and more epic if you will. Of course playing it across all 6 strings contributes to that too!

Note that familiar 3rd and 2nd finger pattern is broken here, so switching from C/G to G major chord will be harder.

Chord progressions with C major

Practice changing from and to C major chord by playing the following chord progressions:

  • G-C-G (I-IV-I)
  • G-C-D-G (I-IV-V-I)
  • C-G-C (I-V-I)

C major also goes well with Am and Em so throw those into the mix too! And if you feel adventurous try going from C to bar F chord to G back to C (I-IV-V-I) progression. If you can do that you can easily play songs in the key of C!