transpose.siteC chord (C major)
The C chord is a major chord built on C. A major triad: the root with a major third and a perfect fifth on top. It sounds bright and settled, which is why it opens and closes so many songs.
C guitar chord
Common shape
Barre, root on 6th string (fret 8)
Barre, root on 5th string (fret 3)
The left vertical line is the 6th (thickest) string. Numbers in dots are fingers (1 index · 2 middle · 3 ring · 4 little), × means don't play that string and ○ means open.
Play it the easy way with a capo
- Capo on fret 3 + A shape
- Capo on fret 5 + G shape
With a capo on for the whole song, every other chord moves by the same number of frets.
C chord notes
| Degree | 1 (root) | 3 (major 3rd) | 5 (perfect 5th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | E | G |
C piano chord
On piano, press these 3 notes together. Bass players usually play the root, C.
Keys that use C
- C major: I
- F major: V
- G major: IV
- D minor: VII
- E minor: VI
- A minor: III
Progressions in C major
- C – G – Am – F (I – V – vi – IV, the most common pop progression)
- C – Am – F – G (I – vi – IV – V, the '50s progression, ballads)
Transposing C
One half step up, C becomes C♯; one half step down, B. To change the key of a whole PDF score, open it in the free PDF transposer.