C chord guitar

The C chord (C major chord) is perhaps the most commonly used chord and is played using three fingers. We put the index finger on string 2 (B-string) in the first box, the middle finger on string 4 (D-string) in the second box and the ring finger on string 5 (A-string) in the third box. As a tab it would be noted as follows: x32010.

C chord guitar diagram

C chord guitar

The characters X and O are included in the chord diagram. The X means that you do not strike this string. The O means that you do not put a finger on this string, but you do strike it. In guitar terms we call this an open string. Because the C chord is formed from open and picked strings, we also call this an open chord. If you pick the chord correctly, you can play the chord.

Fingerings

If you rotate the chord diagram C it looks like this:

E string - x, do not strike (thickest string)

A string - 3 finger at third fret

D string - 2 finger on second fret

g string - 0 open string

b string - 1 finger on first fret

e string - 0 open string (thin string)

How do you play the C chord on your guitar?

How do you play a C chord neatly? If you listen carefully to the strings, all the strings you pick will sound clear and warm. If one of the strings is muted by the other fingers when playing a chord, you will notice that the chord no longer sounds clear. Then try to put your fingers down better. The video below is played through the interactive media player.

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Songs

There are many songs that are played with the C chord. Below is an overview of easy, difficult and ProTabs songs in which the C guitar chord is used. With the ProTabs songs you can play synchronously, that makes it interactive and even more fun! Experience for yourself how easy and fun playing guitar can be!

Easy songs

• Let It Be - The Beatles;

• Cowboy Billy Boem;

• Lang Zal Ze Leven;

• Dansen Op De Dijk - 3J's;

• Waterloo - Abba.

Difficult songs

• Het Is Een Nacht - Guus Meeuwis;

• Country Roads - John Denver;

• The Boxer - Simon & Garfunkel;

• All Of Me - John Legend;

• Dust In The Wind - Kansas.

ProTabs songs

• Without You - The Kid LAROI;

• Sorry - Kensington;

• Oostenwind - Nick & Simon;

• Als Ze Er Niet Is - De Dijk;

• Weg Van Jou - Susan & Freek;

Variations on C chords

There are several variations of the C chord. We will discuss the most common ones, also take a look at the minor, minor seventh and major seventh variants.

Cm chord (C minor chord);

C7 chord (C major seventh);

Cm7 chord (C minor seventh).

Barré chords

Barré akkoord

As we have open chords in C, we can also play the C chord with a barré. A barré means that you put the index finger straight over all strings and can play multiple strings with one finger. In most cases, the open chords are moved by means of a barré so that you get a different timbre with the same chord. Curious how the barré chord is played correctly? Then take a look at our lesson series!

Power chords

Power akkoord

Power chords or power chords are often used in rock music. This is often a simplified version of the barré chord. Instead of playing all the strings, with a power chord you play at most three. Because you only use three fingers, this will improve the speed. It is also a good start to get to know the positions of the barré chords. Check out our lesson series for more information about the power chords.

Other major chords

In addition to the C chord, there are 6 other root chords that are commonly used. Teach them all to be able to play as many songs as possible :)

C chord guitar;

D chord guitar;

E chord guitar;

F chord guitar;

G chord guitar;

A chord guitar;

B chord guitar.

Want to learn to play guitar and chords effectively join Gitaartabs and follow our full guitar lesson plan. By means of video lessons we help you step by step with the correct chords.

Good luck!

Levi from Guitar Tabs