C Major Guitar Chord Lesson for the Beginner

The C Major Chord is one of the easier beginner guitar chords to learn how to play. The C Major Chord is found in the C Major Scale: C D E F G A B C. It is made up of the 1, 3 and 5 positions of this scale. Meaning the notes C, E and G.

Below are two versions of the C Major Chord for you to learn. The first is the most common version of this chord, followed by the C Chord played with fourth finger on the G note of the 1st string. Adding another G to the chord gives it a fuller sound.

Try not to play the Low E String. Either avoid strumming it, or mute it with your thumb. If you are unable to do this and you accidentally play the Low E, no worries. The “E” note is actually part of the C Major Chord, so it won’t sound wrong if you include the Low E String.

C Major Chord Notes: C, E and G

Here is a key that will help you read the chart:

This version is similar to the version above only you place your fourth finger on the third fret of the 1st string adding another G note to the chord. This gives the chord a fuller sound.