How to play C Major on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x32010
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1.
- Let the 3rd, 1st strings ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 875558 (from fret 5)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 4th strings at fret 5 (a barre).
- Press the 6th string (E) at fret 8.
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 7.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 8.
Shape 3: 8(10)(10)988 (from fret 8)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 1st to 6th strings at fret 8 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 10.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 10.
- Press the 3rd string (G) at fret 9.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in C Major
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C | 1 (root) |
| E | 3 |
| G | 5 |
The formula for C Major (major triad) is 1 3 5: take the root, then the scale degrees listed.
When to use C
Major chords are the home base of most pop, rock and folk songs. They sound happy and settled, and a major chord is the first thing most players learn in every key.
The chord belongs to the key of C major; see the C major scale for the other chords in the key.
Other C chords
Cm, C7, Cmaj7, Cm7, Csus2, Csus4, C°, C+, Cadd9, C6, Cø7
Other major chords on guitar
D♭, D, E♭, E, F, F♯, G, A♭, A, B♭, B
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C Major on guitar?
The easiest C shape on guitar is x32010 (Press the 5th string (A) at fret 3. Press the 4th string (D) at fret 2. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 1. Let the 3rd, 1st strings ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C Major?
C Major (C) contains the notes C E G. The formula is 1 3 5.
How many guitar shapes are there for C?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See C Major on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.