C guitar chord (C Major)

Symbols: M, maj

Steps: 1-3-5

Notes: C-E-G

The C major chord is one of the most fundamental and harmonious chords in music, built from the notes C, E and G. It features the root, major third, and perfect fifth, producing a bright and stable sound. This chord forms the backbone of countless songs across genres. Below, you'll find five variations how to play the "C " chord, each featuring finger placements and an audio sample.

Variation 1

C guitar chord - variation 1
  • Press the B (2nd) string on the 1st fret with your index finger
  • With your middle finger, press down on the D (4th) string at the 2nd fret
  • Position your ring finger on the A (5th) string at the 3rd fret and press down
  • Now, strum all the strings starting from the 5th string

Variation 2

C guitar chord - variation 2
  • Apply a barre with your index finger across the 3rd fret, covering the 1st to the 5th strings
  • Place your pinky on the B (2nd) string at the 5th fret and press down
  • Use your ring finger to press the G (3rd) string down on the 5th fret
  • Press down on the D (4th) string at the 5th fret using your middle finger
  • Now, strum all the strings starting from the 5th string

Variation 3

C guitar chord - variation 3
  • Stretch out your pinky to the 8th fret of the E (1st) string and press down
  • Place a barre using your index finger on the 5th fret from the 2nd to the 4th strings
  • Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string

Variation 4

C guitar chord - variation 4
  • Place a barre using your index finger on the 8th fret
  • Position your middle finger on the G (3rd) string at the 9th fret and press down
  • Use your pinky to press the D (4th) string down on the 10th fret
  • Press down on the A (5th) string at the 10th fret using your ring finger
  • Now, strum all the strings

Variation 5

C guitar chord - variation 5
  • Place your ring finger on the E (1st) string at the 12th fret and press down
  • Stretch out your pinky to the 13th fret of the B (2nd) string and press down
  • Use your middle finger to press the G (3rd) string down on the 12th fret
  • Press down on the D (4th) string at the 10th fret using your index finger
  • Now, strum all the strings starting from the 4th string