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.

Things You'll Need

• Guitar Amplifiers
• Guitar Cases
• Guitar Picks
• Guitar Slide
• Guitar Stands
• Guitar Straps
• Guitars
• Metronome
• Set Of Guitar Strings

Instructions

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

1. 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.

2. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string.

3. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.

4. Place your pinky on the third fret of the D string.

5. 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).]

6. Place your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string to begin the G chord.

7. Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string.

8. Place your pinky on the third fret of the high E string.

9. Strum the strings downward to play the G chord.

10. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string to begin the A-minor chord.

11. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the D string.

12. Place your ring finger on the second fret of the G string.

13. Strum the strings downward to play the A-minor chord.

The Key of C

1. Freely strum the sequence C, F, G. Disregard tempo and meter for now.

2. Strum each chord four times repeating the sequence of C, F, G.

3. Strum C four times, F two times, and G two times and repeat.

4. Repeat Step 21 while keeping a steady tempo. Use a metronome if accessible.

5. Strum C four times, F two times, and G four times.

6. Strum each chord two times.

7. Strum C two times, F two times, A minor four times, and G four times.

8. 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.