How to Play the C Major Chord on the Guitar: 10 Steps

The C major chord is used in many genres of songs, and some even claim that it is one of the most used in Western music. This chord is made up of only three notes (C, E, and G), and there are many ways and styles to play it. Also, it is one of the first chords that most guitarists learn.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Play an Open C Major Chord

Step 1. If you are a beginner, briefly review the basics of strings, notes, and frets

Knowing the terminology related to guitars will allow you to learn chords much more easily. Luckily, guitar numbering is easy to learn:

The strings are counted from the bottom up, not the other way around. The thinnest string (the closest when you play the guitar) is the first.
The first fret is the one furthest to the left (if you're a right-handed guitarist). Frets are the metal strips that are located on the guitar, and the one that is furthest from your body is the first. The next closest becomes the second; the next, the third; etc.
Make sure the guitar is in tune. You can buy an electronic tuner or use an audio guide that you can find on YouTube or Google.

Step 2. Place your ring finger on the fifth string of the third fret

Remember that the fifth string is the second string starting from the top, not the bottom. The ring finger should go between the third and second fret. This note is a do.

The closer to the third fret you press your finger, the better the chord will sound

Step 3. Place your middle finger on the fourth string of the second fret

Once again, press as close to the fret as possible. Use your fingertips to be as precise as possible. This will be the E note of this chord.

Step 4. Place your index finger on the second string of the first fret

This is the high C note for this chord. You have now achieved the final shape of the chord and it looks like a diagonal line pointing in the direction of the ground, in opposition to you.

The open note between the second and fourth strings is a G

Step 5. Strum the bottom five strings

All you need are these three fingers. While it won't be a problem if you accidentally hit the top string, the chord will sound much better if you ignore it.

Step 6. Alternate finger tapping for a better open chord

Take your ring finger off the fourth string and move it to the sixth at the third fret. Then use your pinky to press down on the fourth string at the third fret again. This adds another G note to the chord for a more concise sound.

Step 7. Focus on getting your fingers as close to the fret as possible

To make the chords sound their best, use your fingertips by placing them as close to the frets as possible. Play each string individually to see if any of the notes don't sound right and may need adjustment.

Method 2 of 2: Play Alternate Versions of C Major

Step 1. Move to the third fret for a sharper C major

This variation of the C major chord begins at the third fret, hence it is called the “third position”. Position your fingers as described below:

Place your first finger on the fifth string of the third fret. Press your finger fully into the neck of the guitar, so that all five strings are fully depressed at the third fret.
Place your second finger on the fourth string (D) of the fifth fret. This will be the sun note.
Place your third finger on the third string (G) of the fifth fret. This will be the C note.
Place your fourth finger on the second string (si) of the fifth fret. This will be my note.
When strumming, don't touch the lower or upper strings. Just touch the middle four.

Step 2. Use your index finger to press the third fret for a capod C major chord

To do this, place your first finger along all the strings at the third fret. Then place the other three fingers as previously described. This is known as a capo chord. Leave your index finger fully on the guitar, pressing down on all five strings at the third fret. Now you can strum the bottom two strings along with the others.

Play the C Major Chord on Guitar Step 10

Step 3. Move to the eighth fret for another capod C major chord

You should start this next position on the eighth fret. Note that the frets are much closer together at this point, and the notes sound a little higher.

Place your first finger on the eighth fret pressing all the strings. Fully tighten all the strings.
Place your second finger on the third string (G) of the ninth fret. This note will be a me.
Place the third and fourth fingers on the fourth and fifth strings respectively of the 10th fret. Then strum all the strings.

Advice

Press down hard on the frets using your fingertips or else the string will sound “off” or vibrate against the fret instead of forming a tight seal between them.
Lightly run your pick or hand along the strings.