The C major chord contains C – E – G (Root – Major 3rd – Perfect 5th). Standard open position: x32010. It appears in C major (I), F major (V), G major (IV).
Character & Sound
Pure, clear, and foundational — C major is considered the home key of Western music. Its open chord voicing on guitar is warm and bright, making it one of the first chords every guitarist learns.
Pop, folk, rock, classical. C major is the I chord in C major — the most common key in pop music. Appears in I–IV–V and I–V–vi–IV progressions everywhere.
The parallel chord is C minor — same root, minor 3rd instead of major. Compare them side by side in the Chord Finder.
How to Play the C Major Guitar Chord
Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, middle on the 2nd fret of the D string, and index on the 1st fret of the B string. Strum from the A string down. Mute the low E. The open G and high E strings ring freely.
Songs That Use C
- "Let It Be" – The Beatles
- "Wonderwall" – Oasis
- "Imagine" – John Lennon
- "What's Going On" – Marvin Gaye
Explore Chord Voicings Interactively
The MusoKit Chord Finder shows every voicing on guitar, piano, and ukulele — with audio playback.
Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the C major chord?
The C major chord contains C – E – G (root, major 3rd, perfect 5th).
How do you play C major on guitar?
x32010 open position: ring on 3rd fret A, middle on 2nd fret D, index on 1st fret B. Mute low E.
What keys use the C major chord?
C major appears in C major (I), F major (V), G major (IV), and A minor (vi).
Is C major a beginner chord?
Yes — it's one of the first chords guitarists learn. The three-finger open position is comfortable and produces a full, resonant sound.