All 4 ways to play C on guitar
-
x32010 open position -
x35553 at the 3rd fret -
xxx558 at the 5th fret -
8-10-10-9-8-8 at the 8th fret
Diagrams: strings run from the lowest on the left; X = don't play, O = open string, numbers = fingers (1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little finger).
How to play C on guitar
Main shape: x32010 (open position).
- Put your ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string.
- Put your middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string.
- Put your index finger (1) on the 1st fret of the B (2nd) string.
- Let the G (3rd) and high E (1st) strings ring open (marked O).
- Don't play the low E (6th) string (marked X).
- Strum from the A (5th) string down (5 strings).
C notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root |
| E | 3 | major 3rd |
| G | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: C/E (1st inversion) and C/G (2nd inversion).
C on piano and ukulele
-
C piano chord C – E – G -
C on ukulele 0003
Which keys use C?
C is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | C | I | tonic |
| A minor | C | III | tonic |
| F major | C | V | dominant |
| G major | C | IV | predominant |
| D minor | C | VII | dominant |
| E minor | C | VI | tonic or predominant |
| F minor | C | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with C
- I–IV–V–I in C major: C – F – G – C The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in C major: C – G – Am – F The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in C major: Am – F – C – G The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in C major: C – Am – F – G The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in C major: C – F – Am – G The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.