How to Play Guitar Chords in the Key of C

This is a variation of an F major chord.

The key of C is very commonly used in folk and rock music. Knowing all of the chords that fit into this key will help make your song sound more interesting. Every key has seven different notes, thus every set of guitar chords in each key has seven different chords, which make up the basic structure of song accompaniment. There are many variations on these chords, as well as substitutions for the basics. The basic chords will be discussed here.

Things You'll Need

• Chord chart

Instructions

The C Chord

1. Place your pointer finger on the second, or B, string at the first fret. Place your middle finger on the fourth, or D, string at the second fret. Place your ring finger on the fifth, or A, string at the third fret.

2. Press down hard on all three strings.

3. Strum all strings except the sixth, or bottom E, string.

The D Minor Chord

1. Place your pointer finger on the first, or top E, string at the first fret. Place your middle finger on the third, or G, string at the second fret. Place your ring finger on the second, or B, string at the third fret.

2. Press down hard on all three strings.

3. Strum all strings except the sixth, or bottom E, string.

The E Minor Chord

1. Place your middle finger on the fifth, or A, string at the second fret. Place your ring finger on the fourth, or D, string at the second fret.

2. Press down hard on both strings.

3. Strum all six strings.

The F Major Chord

1. Place your ring finger on both the first, or top E, and second, or B, strings at the first fret. Place your ring finger on the third, or G, string at the second fret. Place your middle finger on the fourth, or D, string at the third fret.

2. Press down hard on all four strings.

3. Strum the four strings you are pressing down.

The G Major Chord

1. Place your pointer finger on the fifth, or A, string at the second fret. Place your middle finger on the sixth, or bottom E, string at the third fret. Place your ring finger on the first, or top E, string on the third fret.

2. Press down hard on all three strings.

3. Strum all six strings.

The A Minor Chord

1. Place your pointer finger on the second, or B, string at the first fret. Place your middle finger on the fourth, or D, string at the second fret. Place your ring finger on the third, or G, string at the second fret.

2. Press down hard on all three strings.

3. Strum all strings except the sixth, or bottom E, string.

The G7th Chord

1. Place your pointer finger on the first, or top E, string on the first fret. Place the middle finger on the fifth, or A, string at the second fret. Place the ring finger on the sixth, or bottom E, string at the third fret.

2. Press down hard on all three strings.

3. Strum all six strings.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many different ways to play all of these chords. Some involve different hand positions on the same strings, some involve using more chorded strings to play the full chord. Figure out what is most comfortable for your personal playing style.

• Press down hard on the strings to get the best sound. Avoid letting your fingers accidentally touch strings other than the ones they are pressing to prevent accidental damping of the neighboring strings.

• Keep your fingernails trimmed short, at least on your left hand, to allow for better pressure on the strings.

References

• Guitar Chords in: The Key of C

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish