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C Major Guitar Chord (CM)

C Major (CM) is built from C, E, G, which is the 1P - 3M - 5P formula measured from the root C. This page shows 6 fingerings with fretboard diagrams.

Major
Notes: C · E · GIntervals: 1P – 3M – 5P

Fingerings for CM

CA at fret 3, D at fret 3, G at fret 2
Clow E muted, A at fret 3, D at fret 2, B at fret 1
Clow E muted, D at fret 3, G at fret 3, B at fret 3
Clow E at fret 4, A at fret 3, B muted, high E muted
Clow E muted, A muted, D at fret 3, G at fret 2
Clow E muted, A muted, D at fret 1, G at fret 3, B at fret 4, high E at fret 3

Notes in CM

  • C1P
  • E3M
  • G5P

How to play CM

C Major Guitar Chord (CM) is bright and resolved, the default sound of Western harmony.

Beginner tip

Keep your fretting-hand thumb behind the neck and press just behind the fret wire, not on top of it.

Practice idea

Loop it with the IV and V chords of the same key to hear how it functions as the tonic.

CM FAQ

What notes are in C Major?
C Major (CM) contains C, E, G. In interval terms that is 1P - 3M - 5P above the root C.
How do you play CM on guitar?
The most common shape here is "C": A at fret 3, D at fret 3, G at fret 2.
Is CM hard for beginners?
It sits in the major family. Keep your fretting-hand thumb behind the neck and press just behind the fret wire, not on top of it.

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