Guitar C/E chord diagram
C/E is one of the essential Guitar chords. On Chordier, this chord appears in 4 different songs. On this page, you can find how to play C/E, alternative positions, and core chord transitions.
To play C/E, follow these steps: Place index finger on B string fret 1. Place middle finger on D string fret 2.
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/E can be optimized for the next chord. For example, when moving from C/E to Dm7, using 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
- Beginner
- Voicings
- 7
Alternative Positions
Different ways to play C/E on the fretboard, from beginner-friendly to advanced voicings.
Guitar C/E chord diagram3-3-2-x-1-3
Guitar C/E chord diagram3-3-2-5-5-3
Guitar C/E chord diagramx-3-5-5-5-3
Guitar C/E chord diagram3-x-5-5-5-3
Easy Transition Chords
These chords have similar finger positions to C/E, making them ideal for practice transitions.
1. C/E → Am7 chord transition
To move from C/E to Am7, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on B string fret 1.
- Keep middle finger on D string fret 2.
2. C/E → Am/D chord transition
To move from C/E to Am/D, 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.
3. C/E → Dm7 chord transition
To move from C/E to Dm7, 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.
4. C/E → E7 chord transition
To move from C/E to E7, follow these steps:
- Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on G string fret 1.
- Slide your middle finger from D string fret 2 to A string fret 2.
5. C/E → Fm/E chord transition
To move from C/E to Fm/E, 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.
6. C/E → Am chord transition
To move from C/E to Am, follow these steps:
- Keep index finger on B string fret 1.
- Keep middle finger on D string fret 2.
- Place ring finger on G string fret 2.
Most Common Transitions
The most frequent chord transitions from C/E across songs on this site.
1. C/E → F chord transition
To move from C/E 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.
- Place ring finger on A string fret 3.
- Place pinky on D string fret 3.
On Chordier, songs containing C/E use the transition to F at 60%. You can practice this transition in 2 different songs.
2. C/E → D chord transition
To move from C/E 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.
- Place ring finger on B string fret 3.
On Chordier, songs containing C/E use the transition to D at 3.3%. You can practice this transition in 1 different songs.
Compatible Scales
These scales include C/E and highlight the companion chords that fit the same key.
Songs Using C/E Chord
Popular songs that feature the C/E chord, perfect for practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is C/E easy to play on Guitar?
Guitar C/E is beginner-friendly. It spans 2 frets. Practice slowly to keep each note clean.
What is the easiest way to play C/E?
There is a simpler alternative for C/E on Guitar. The alternative voicing uses fingering 3-x-5-5-5-3. This voicing reduces hand movement and makes clean transitions easier.
What chords transition well from C/E on Guitar?
Guitar C/E commonly moves to F and Am. Based on our catalog data, C/E to F is recorded 18 times, appears in 2 songs, and represents 60% of outgoing C/E transitions. C/E to Am is recorded 8 times, appears in 2 songs, and represents 26.7%.
What songs use the C/E chord?
Olivia Dean - Man I Need Chords is one of 4 songs that use the C/E chord.