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C major guitar shapes
Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions
Showing 8 of 111 playable shapes
About the chord
C major guitar chord
C is the C major guitar chord. It uses the notes C, E, and G and the interval formula 1-3-5.
The C major major chord, built from the root (C major), major third E, and perfect fifth G, delivers a bright, harmonious sound that feels resolved and complete. Its balanced structure makes it the foundation of Western harmony, widely used across all genres to convey joy, strength, and stability.
Also written as Cmaj and CM.
Root note: C
Quality: major
Chord tones: 3
Playable shapes: 111
Chord tones
CEG
Common guitar voicings
These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.
Shape 1
x32010
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
- 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
- 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
- 4 Strum from the 5th string down.
Shape 2
x32013
- 1 Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
- 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
- 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
- 4 Place the 4th finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string.
- 5 Strum from the 5th string down.
Notes & Intervals
Each note below shows how the chord is built from its root. This is the theory layer underneath the fretboard shapes.
C Unison (Root) 1
The root anchors the chord and defines its tonal center.
E Major Third 3
This note defines the chord's major quality and brings brightness to the sound.
G Perfect Fifth 5
The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.
Quick answers
What notes are in C?
C uses the notes C, E, and G. Its interval formula is 1-3-5.
What is another name for C?
C is also written as Cmaj and CM.
How do you play C on guitar?
Place the 1st finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string. Place the 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string. Place the 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string. Strum from the 5th string down.
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