C5 guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 79 playable shapes

About the chord

C5 guitar chord

The C5 power chord (5th), consisting of the root (C5) and perfect fifth G, provides a bold, open sound without major or minor coloration. Its simplicity and neutrality make it a staple in rock, punk, and metal for driving rhythms and raw power.

Root note: C
Quality: 5
Chord tones: 2
Playable shapes: 79

Chord tones

CG

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.

G Perfect Fifth 5

The fifth reinforces stability and gives the chord its strong harmonic frame.

Related Articles

Articles that reference this chord and explain how to use it in your playing.