The key of C major is very often used in songs. This chord consists of only 3 notes, namely C, E, and G, and is one of the first chords that guitarists learn. Once you've mastered the basics of playing this chord, you can learn variations in the chord of C to play the song you want.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Playing the Open Key of C Major
Step 1. Understand the basics of strings, notes, and frets at a glance if you are just learning to play the guitar
Understanding guitar-related stuff will make it easier for you to learn the key of C. Luckily, the numbering on the guitar isn't difficult:
- Guitar strings are counted from the bottom up, not the other way around. The string that is at the bottom of the string when you hold the guitar (and the smallest) is the first string.
- The first fret is at the position furthest to your left (if right-handed). The fret is the metal strip that attaches to the neck of the guitar, and the one furthest from the body is the "first fret". The next closest position is the second fret, which then becomes the third fret, and so on.
- Make sure the guitar is tuned. You can buy an electric tuner or tune your guitar through audio guides available on Google or Youtube.
Step 2. Place your ring finger on the fifth string, on the third fret
Remember, the fifth string is the second string from the top, not from the bottom. The ring finger should be placed between the third and second frets. This is a C note.
The closer you press your finger to the third fret, the better the sound will be
Step 3. Place your middle finger on the fourth string, on the second fret
Again, place your finger as close to the fret as possible. Try using your fingertips to get as close to the fret as possible. This is the E note in this chord.
Step 4. Place your index finger on the second string, on the first fret
This is a high C note in the key. You've now formed a C key formation, which looks like a downward diagonal line moving away from your head.
The open note (the unstressed string) between the second and fourth strings is the G note
Step 5. Strum the bottom 5 strings
You only need 3 fingers. While it doesn't matter if the top string is strummed, the sound that comes out will sound better if the string isn't shuffled.
Step 6. Try making variations on this open lock by moving your finger
Lift your ring finger from the fourth string and place it on the sixth string, at the third fret. Next, press the fourth string at the third fret with your little finger. This will add another G note into the key of C for a thick, rich sound.
Step 7. Try to keep your fingers as close to the fret as possible
For the best C sound, use your fingertips, placed as close to the fret as possible. Press and pluck the selected strings one by one to find out if any notes sound out of place, then make adjustments.
Method 2 of 2: Playing Alternate C Major Keys
Step 1. Move to the third fret for a higher C major chord
This variation in the key of C Major starts at the third fret and is therefore called the "third position". Place the finger as described below::
- Place your first finger on the third fret, on the fifth string. Press all of your fingers against the neck of the guitar so that the 5 strings of the guitar are against the third fret.
- Place your second finger on the fifth fret, on the fourth string (D string). This is the note for the G note.
- Place your third finger on the fifth fret, on the third string (G string). This is the note for the C note.
- Place your fourth finger on the fifth fret, on the second string (B string). This is the note for the high E note.
- When strumming the guitar, don't play the top and bottom strings. Just play the four strings in the middle.
Step 2. Place your index finger on the third fret to practice the C major chord
In this version, place your first finger across all the strings on the third fret. Place the other 3 fingers as described above. This is called a "trunk lock". Place your index finger flat on the guitar, pressing down on the 5 strings on the third fret. Now you can pluck the bottom 2 strings along with the other strings.
Step 3. Move to the eighth fret to practice another C major chord
Start at the eighth fret. Notice that the frets here are closer together, with higher notes.
- Place your first finger on the eighth fret pressing all the strings. Press your fingers on all the strings in this fret.
- Place your second finger on the ninth fret on the third string (G string). This is the note for the tone E.
- Place your third and fourth fingers on the tenth fret, on the fourth and fifth strings, respectively. You can pluck all the strings with this bar wrench.
Tips
- Press the fingertips firmly in place before the fret. Otherwise, the strings will not sound ("off") or vibrate as they hit the fret, instead forming a tight position between the string and the fret.
- Run a pick (guitar pluck) or fingers gently along the strings.
Warning
- Fingers will feel sore at the beginning of practice. An experienced guitar player will form calluses on his hands.
- Do not shake the pick violently.
