Beginner · No barre

C

321

Fingering and position

Place the ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, the index on the 1st fret of the B string. 2 strings ring open. One string is muted, do not play it.

Difficulty

The C chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.

Often paired chords

Exercise: shuffle it in

A chord on its own gets forgotten. The right reflex: shuffle it with the chords you already know. Launch a shuffle that includes this chord and play it 10 times in different contexts.

The C chord truly comes alive in motion. Launch a shuffle that includes it and play it across 3 or 4 different contexts: that is the best way to embed it in finger memory. Category: Beginner.

Play a shuffle with C

Frequently asked questions

What is the fingering for the C chord on guitar?
Place the ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, the index on the 1st fret of the B string. 2 strings ring open. One string is muted, do not play it.
Is the C chord easy for a beginner?
The C chord is rated beginner. A great starting point for new guitarists.
Does the C chord require a barre?
No, C is played without a barre: it is an open chord, accessible to beginners.
Which chords pair well with C on guitar?
C pairs naturally with G, Am, F, Dm. Practise them in a shuffle to memorise the transitions.

Further reading