Why do I struggle with C chord?

The main reason is due to the stretch that all three fingers need to make . Most chord shapes you have tackled up to now will span two frets, whilst the C major chord spans 3. As well as that we need to worry about the open G and E string ringing out AND trying not to play the low E string.

What is the alternative to the C chord on a guitar?

To make the C guitar chord a bit easier, you can also try leaving out the highest string to create the C major 7th chord, also known as Cmaj7 . You can use Cmaj7 as an alternative to the C chord if you're having trouble with accidentally muting the open G string with your finger.

What finger should you use for C?

Section C keys are pressed by the left middle finger . The keys include the number 3 and and letters E, D, and C. Section D keys are pressed by the left index finger. The keys include numbers 4 and 5, and letters R, T, F, G, V, and B.

What is the easiest chord on the guitar?

One of the easiest chords for beginners to learn is the C major chord . The full version of this open chord requires three fingers, but gives a clear, distinctive sound as it rings out when strummed. Here's how to play the C major chord on guitar in open position: Index finger on the 1st fret of the B (2nd) string.

How can I improve my C chord?

So we're going to go over a bunch of tips that you can implement today so you can nail that C chord! Bring your neck higher. ... Get your fingers behind the frets. ... Use the tips of your fingers. ... Bring your elbow in. ... Don't kink your wrist. ... Experiment with various pressure. ... Put one finger on at a time. ... Play it clean. More items... Aug 26, 2021

What is the most annoying chord on the guitar?

Commonly Annoying Chords: One notorious culprit is the barre chord , which involves using one finger to press down multiple strings across the guitar neck. Additionally, the F major chord, known for its challenging finger placement, often causes frustration.

What can I play instead of A C chord?

C and G chords are frequently played in the same chord progression, so if you substitute the Cadd9 for a C Major chord you can switch between a C and G with almost no finger movement. Plus, playing a Cadd9 sounds a little fancier than a regular C.

How do I turn my guitar into C?

The 6th string, or the lowest string on your guitar, should be tuned to a low C. This is two whole steps down from the standard low E string. Using a tuner, pluck the 6th string and use your tuner to guide you in adjusting the tuning peg until the tuner indicates a C note .

Where do you put your fingers for C major scale on guitar?

When playing C major in the open position, you'll keep your fingers confined to the first three frets. Use your index finger to play the notes on the first fret, your middle finger for notes on the second fret, and your ring finger for notes on the third fret .

How do you finger C major?

When ascending the C major scale, your thumb plays C, your second finger D, and your third finger E. The thumb then plays F, the second finger G, the third finger A, the fourth finger B, and the fifth finger C . To play F with your thumb as you progress up the scale, place your thumb under your third finger.

C Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (2024)

How to play

Learn to play the iconic chord from "Let It Be" and "Hey Jude" by The Beatles.

The C chordFinger placement for C major over E chordHow to play an easy C major over E chord on guitarHow to play a C major over E bar chordCommon C major over E chord progressionsDrills to master the C major over E chordSongs that feature the C major over E chordHow a guitar teacher can help

The C major over E chord

The C chord, pronounced "C major over E," is a unique voicing that adds a bright, jangly sound to your playing. This chord is notable for its use in popular genres like folk, country, and rock. The C/E chord can be heard in songs such as "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman and "Wonderwall" by Oasis, adding a distinctive flavor to the harmonic progression.

There are many ways to play a chord. Here's a diagram for the most common C major over E chord. We've also included other versions below.

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Finger placement for C major over E chord

The most common way to play a C major over E chord on guitar is on the 8th fret, using a barre chord shape.

Follow these finger positions to play a C major over E chord on your guitar:

Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 8th fret.
Place your ring finger on the 10th fret of the 5th (A) string.
Place your pinky finger on the 10th fret of the 4th (D) string.
Place your middle finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward motion starting from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest) string. You can also alternate between downward and upward strums for a more dynamic sound.

How to play an easy C major over E chord on guitar

If you're a beginner looking to play a simpler version of the C major over E chord, try playing a basic C major chord in the open position. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.

How to play a C major over E bar chord

Playing a C major over E barre chord can give your playing a fuller, richer sound compared to the open version of the chord. It also allows you to easily transition to other barre chords or play the chord in a different position on the neck.

Here's how to play a C major over E barre chord:

Place your index finger across all six strings at the 8th fret, creating a barre.
Place your middle finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
Place your ring finger on the 10th fret of the 5th (A) string.
Place your pinky finger on the 10th fret of the 4th (D) string.
Strum all six strings from the low E string to the high E string.

Common C major over E chord progressions

The C major over E chord, also known as C/E, is a first inversion chord that can add a sense of movement, anticipation, or resolution to a progression. It often serves as a passing or transitional chord, creating a smooth connection between other chords. C/E can evoke a feeling of lift, lightness, or a momentary shift in the emotional landscape of a song. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the C/E chord:

I - V6 - vi - IV (C - G/B - Am - F) - Used in "Let It Be" by The Beatles and "Someone Like You" by Adele
I - V6/vi - vi - V (C - A/C# - Am - G)
I - V6/vi - IV - V (C - A/C# - F - G)
I - V6 - IV - V (C - G/B - F - G) - Used in "Imagine" by John Lennon and "The Scientist" by Coldplay
I - ii - V6 - I (C - Dm - G/B - C)

Drills to master the C major over E chord

To master the C major over E guitar chord, try this essential drill: play each note of the chord individually, allowing each one to ring out clearly. Start with the low E, then move to the G, and finally, the high C. Focus on playing each note cleanly and in tune. Once you're comfortable with this, try transitioning between the notes smoothly, creating a simple melody.

Another helpful drill is to practice strumming the chord, ensuring all notes are ringing out simultaneously. Begin with slow, even strums, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the chord.

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Songs that feature the C major over E chord

Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the C major over E chord:

Don't Stop Believin' by Journey (C, G, Am, F, Dm, E)
Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F, Dm, E)
Hey Jude by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F, Dm, E)
Imagine by John Lennon (C, G, Am, F, Dm, E)
Hotel California by Eagles (Am, E, G, D, F, C, Dm)
Wonderwall by Oasis (Am, C, E, F, G)
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver (G, D, Em, C, Am)
Stand By Me by Ben E. King (A, F#m, D, E)
Zombie by The Cranberries (Em, C, G, D)

How a guitar teacher can help

If you feel stuck in your playing, it might help to take personalized guitar lessons with an expert guitarist. Taking lessons with a pro gives you access to the skills, feedback, and motivation to reach your goals.

You can find expert guitar teachers to support you in the journey. Thousands of people have turned to online guitar lessons on Til, instead of traditional in-person lessons, because Til gives you access to the best teachers in the world from the comfort of home. And with flexible scheduling, secure payments, lesson recordings, and a private chat with your teacher–there’s never been a better way to learn guitar.

View major chords by root note

C majorHow to play the C major chord on Guitar

C major over FHow to play the C major over F chord on Guitar

C major over GHow to play the C major over G chord on Guitar

C# majorHow to play the C# major chord on Guitar

D majorHow to play the D major chord on Guitar

D major over F#How to play the D major over F# chord on Guitar

D major over AHow to play the D major over A chord on Guitar

D major over BbHow to play the D major over Bb chord on Guitar

D major over BHow to play the D major over B chord on Guitar

D major over CHow to play the D major over C chord on Guitar

Eb majorHow to play the Eb major chord on Guitar

E majorHow to play the E major chord on Guitar

E major over BHow to play the E major over B chord on Guitar

E major over C#How to play the E major over C# chord on Guitar

E major over DHow to play the E major over D chord on Guitar

E major over D#How to play the E major over D# chord on Guitar

E major over FHow to play the E major over F chord on Guitar

E major over F#How to play the E major over F# chord on Guitar

E major over GHow to play the E major over G chord on Guitar

E major over G#How to play the E major over G# chord on Guitar

F majorHow to play the F major chord on Guitar

F major over CHow to play the F major over C chord on Guitar

F major over DHow to play the F major over D chord on Guitar

F major over D#How to play the F major over D# chord on Guitar

F major over EHow to play the F major over E chord on Guitar

F major over GHow to play the F major over G chord on Guitar

F major over AHow to play the F major over A chord on Guitar

F# majorHow to play the F# major chord on Guitar

G majorHow to play the G major chord on Guitar

G major over F#How to play the G major over F# chord on Guitar

G major over BHow to play the G major over B chord on Guitar

G major over DHow to play the G major over D chord on Guitar

G major over EHow to play the G major over E chord on Guitar

G major over FHow to play the G major over F chord on Guitar

Ab majorHow to play the Ab major chord on Guitar

A majorHow to play the A major chord on Guitar

A major over C#How to play the A major over C# chord on Guitar

A major over EHow to play the A major over E chord on Guitar

A major over FHow to play the A major over F chord on Guitar

A major over F#How to play the A major over F# chord on Guitar

A major over GHow to play the A major over G chord on Guitar

A major over G#How to play the A major over G# chord on Guitar

Bb majorHow to play the Bb major chord on Guitar

B majorHow to play the B major chord on Guitar

View C chord alterations

C majorHow to play the C major chord on Guitar

C minorHow to play the C minor chord on Guitar

CdimHow to play the Cdim chord on Guitar

Cdim7How to play the Cdim7 chord on Guitar

Csus2How to play the Csus2 chord on Guitar

Csus4How to play the Csus4 chord on Guitar

C7sus4How to play the C7sus4 chord on Guitar

CaugHow to play the Caug chord on Guitar

C6How to play the C6 chord on Guitar

C69How to play the C69 chord on Guitar

C7How to play the C7 chord on Guitar

C9How to play the C9 chord on Guitar

C7b9How to play the C7b9 chord on Guitar

C7#9How to play the C7#9 chord on Guitar

C11How to play the C11 chord on Guitar

C13How to play the C13 chord on Guitar

Cmaj7How to play the Cmaj7 chord on Guitar

Cmaj7#5How to play the Cmaj7#5 chord on Guitar

Cmaj9How to play the Cmaj9 chord on Guitar

Cmaj13How to play the Cmaj13 chord on Guitar

Cm6How to play the Cm6 chord on Guitar

Cm7How to play the Cm7 chord on Guitar

Cm7b5How to play the Cm7b5 chord on Guitar

Cm9How to play the Cm9 chord on Guitar

Cm11How to play the Cm11 chord on Guitar