How to Play Guitar in the Key of C

The key of C is considered a "classic" key. One of the most common keys in all music, C major is used in the guitar world mainly for punk-oriented songs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

The C Chord

1. Review and memorize the names of the strings. Lowest to highest, they are E-A-D-G-B-E.
2. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string.
3. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the D string. 
4. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.
5. Strum the chord downward from the lowest strings toward the highest.

The F, G and A-Minor Chords

6. Place your index finger over the first frets of the B and high E strings to begin the F chord. This placement requires you to bend your finger a little to cover both notes.
7. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string.
8. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.
9. Place your pinky on the third fret of the D string.
10. Mute the low E string with your thumb and strum the strings downward to play the F chord. [E is not one of the three notes in the F-major chord (F-A-C).]
11. Place your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string to begin the G chord.
12. Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string.
13. Place your pinky on the third fret of the high E string.
14. Strum the strings downward to play the G chord.
15. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string to begin the A-minor chord.
16. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the D string.
17. Place your ring finger on the second fret of the G string.
18. Strum the strings downward to play the A-minor chord.

The Key of C

19. Freely strum the sequence C, F, G. Disregard tempo and meter for now.
20. Strum each chord four times repeating the sequence of C, F, G.
21. Strum C four times, F two times, and G two times and repeat.
22. Repeat Step 21 while keeping a steady tempo. Use a metronome if accessible.
23. Strum C four times, F two times, and G four times.
24. Strum each chord two times.
25. Strum C two times, F two times, A minor four times, and G four times.
26. Experiment with your own variations and progressions.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to make the C chord sound completely authentic, arch your thumb around the neck of the guitar and mute the low E string lightly.
• It is a nice option to add the ring finger on the third fret of the B string while playing the G chord. This change gives the chord a much fuller sound.
• In order to make the A-minor chord sound completely authentic, arch your thumb around the neck of the guitar and mute the low E string lightly.