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Chord chart for C5 Guitar Chord (C5): Notes, Shapes & How to Play | Guitar Wiz

C5 guitar shapes

Popular fretboard positions with fingering suggestions

Showing 8 of 79 playable shapes

C5 guitar chord diagram showing fretboard positions
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About the chord

C5 guitar chord

C5 is the C5 guitar chord. It uses the notes C and G and the interval formula 1-5.

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.

Also written as C(no 3).

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

Chord tones

CG

Common guitar voicings

These are quick-start shapes for players who want the answer first and the deeper theory second.

Shape 1

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
  2. 2 Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string.
  3. 3 Place the 4th finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string.
  4. 4 Strum from the 5th string down.

Shape 2

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  1. 1 Place the 1st finger on the 8th fret of the 2nd string.
  2. 2 Place the 2nd finger on the 8th fret of the 1st string.
  3. 3 Place the 3rd finger on the 10th fret of the 4th string.
  4. 4 Strum from the 4th 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.

G Perfect Fifth 5

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

Quick answers

What notes are in C5?

C5 uses the notes C and G. Its interval formula is 1-5.

What is another name for C5?

C5 is also written as C(no 3).

How do you play C5 on guitar?

Place the 1st finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string. Place the 3rd finger on the 5th fret of the 4th string. Place the 4th finger on the 5th fret of the 3rd string. Strum from the 5th string down.

Related Articles

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