C Chord — Guitar Diagram & Voicings

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C Major Chord

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Formula R – 3 – 5

C Major is built from the notes C, E, G. The interval from C to E is a major 3rd (4 semitones), from C to G is a perfect 5th (7 semitones).

The major triad is one of the most important chords in Western music. It has a bright, stable sound and is built from three notes: the root, major third, and perfect fifth.

Theory

A major triad uses the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the major scale: a major third (4 semitones) with a minor third (3 semitones) stacked on top. In most songs, the 1st, 4th, and 5th chords of the key are major. The 1st feels like home, the 4th creates motion, and the 5th builds tension that wants to resolve back. Together, these form the basis of countless progressions in rock, blues, country, and pop.

On the guitar

Open C, D, E, G, and A are the classic major chord shapes and are usually among the first chords a guitarist learns. Each open shape can also become a movable barre chord: the E shape gives you F at fret 1, and the A shape gives you B♭ at fret 1. The CAGED system connects these five shapes across the entire fretboard.

Advanced

Beyond full chords, major triads can also be played as compact 3-note voicings on different string groups, each with three inversions: root position, first inversion, and second inversion. These smaller shapes are widely used in funk, soul, Motown, and R&B rhythm playing. They also form the basis of many extended chords.

Piano