Guitar C chord diagram
C is one of the essential Guitar chords. On Chordier, this chord appears in 3,150 different songs. On this page, you can find how to play C, alternative positions, and core chord transitions.
To play C, follow these steps: Place index finger on B string fret 1. Place middle finger on D string fret 2. Place ring finger on A string fret 3.
Tips
- Place B string with your index finger and D string with your middle finger with a vertical finger angle so nearby strings ring clearly without buzz.
- On B string, press fret 1 with your index finger close to the fret wire (not on top) for a cleaner tone.
- Finger choices on C can be optimized for the next chord. For example, when moving from C to Caug, using on A string, use your pinky, on D string, use your ring finger, and on B string, use your middle finger helps preserve hand position with minimal movement.
- Mute unused strings to avoid unwanted ringing.
Chord Theory
- Notes
- C - E - G
- Intervals
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Chord Type
- Major — bright and happy character
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Voicings
- 7
Alternative Positions
Different ways to play C on the fretboard, from beginner-friendly to advanced voicings.
Guitar C chord diagram3-3-2-x-1-3
Guitar C chord diagram3-3-2-5-5-3
Guitar C chord diagramx-3-5-5-5-3
Guitar C chord diagram3-x-5-5-5-3
Easy Transition Chords
These chords have similar finger positions to C, making them ideal for practice transitions.
1. C → Am/F chord transition
To move from C to Am/F, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on B string fret 1.
- Lift your middle finger from D string fret 2 and place it on G string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from A string fret 3 to D string fret 3.
2. C → Am7 chord transition
To move from C to Am7, follow these steps:
- While playing C, lift your ring finger from A string fret 3.
- Keep index finger on B string fret 1.
- Keep middle finger on D string fret 2.
3. C → Caug chord transition
To move from C to Caug, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on G string fret 1.
- Keep middle finger on D string fret 2.
- Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.
4. C → Fmaj7 chord transition
To move from C to Fmaj7, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on B string fret 1.
- Lift your middle finger from D string fret 2 and place it on G string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from A string fret 3 to D string fret 3.
5. C → Am/D chord transition
To move from C to Am/D, follow these steps:
- While playing C, lift your ring finger from A string fret 3.
- Keep index finger on B string fret 1.
- Lift your middle finger from D string fret 2 and place it on G string fret 2.
6. C → C7 chord transition
To move from C to C7, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on B string fret 1.
- Keep middle finger on D string fret 2.
- Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.
- Place pinky on G string fret 3.
Most Common Transitions
The most frequent chord transitions from C across songs on this site.
1. C → G chord transition
To move from C to G, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on A string fret 2.
- Slide your middle finger from D string fret 2 to E string fret 3.
- Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on E string fret 3.
On Chordier, songs containing C use the transition to G at 35.4%. You can practice this transition in 1,824 different songs.
2. C → F chord transition
To move from C to F, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on E string fret 1.
- Slide your middle finger from D string fret 2 to G string fret 2.
- Keep ring finger on A string fret 3.
- Place pinky on D string fret 3.
On Chordier, songs containing C use the transition to F at 15.6%. You can practice this transition in 1,070 different songs.
3. C → D chord transition
To move from C to D, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on G string fret 2.
- Slide your middle finger from D string fret 2 to E string fret 2.
- Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on B string fret 3.
On Chordier, songs containing C use the transition to D at 11.1%. You can practice this transition in 818 different songs.
4. C → Am chord transition
To move from C to Am, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on B string fret 1.
- Keep middle finger on D string fret 2.
- Lift your ring finger from A string fret 3 and place it on G string fret 2.
On Chordier, songs containing C use the transition to Am at 10.2%. You can practice this transition in 840 different songs.
5. C → Em chord transition
To move from C to Em, follow these steps:
- While playing C, lift your index finger from B string fret 1.
- Lift your middle finger from D string fret 2 and place it on A string fret 2.
- Slide your ring finger from A string fret 3 to D string fret 2.
On Chordier, songs containing C use the transition to Em at 7.6%. You can practice this transition in 615 different songs.
Compatible Scales
These scales include C and highlight the companion chords that fit the same key.
Songs Using C Chord
Popular songs that feature the C chord, perfect for practice.
Songs in Original Key of C
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the C chord on Guitar?
C requires moderate control on Guitar. The voicing covers 3 frets. Keep your wrist relaxed to improve accuracy.
Is there a simpler voicing for C?
You can try an easier Guitar voicing for C. The alternative voicing uses fingering 3-x-5-5-5-3. Use this shape first, then return to the full form as control improves.
What are the most common chord changes from C on Guitar?
Guitar progressions often pair C with G and F. Based on our catalog data, C -> G is tracked 21,356 times across 1,824 songs (35.4% share), while C -> F appears 9,397 times across 1,070 songs (15.6% share).
Can you name songs that feature C?
In our catalog, Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me Chords is one of 8 songs that include the C chord.