The C Major Open Chord for Guitar

The Formula of the Chord

The C major chord is one of the most commonly used chords in guitar playing, providing a bright and clear sound. The formula for a major chord consists of three intervals: the root (R), the major third (3), and the perfect fifth (5). For the C major chord, the specific notes involved are:

• Root (R): C
• Major Third (3): E
• Perfect Fifth (5): G

In the open C major chord that uses three fingers, the voicing we play includes these notes distributed across the strings as follows:

• 5th string (A): C (R)
• 4th string (D): E (3)
• 3rd string (G): Open G (5)
• 2nd string (B): C (3)
• 1st string (E): Open E (3)

How to Play the Chord

To play the C major open chord using three fingers, follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Index Finger: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string). This will produce the note C (R).
2. Middle Finger: Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string). This will produce the note E (3).
3. Ring Finger: Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A string). This will produce the note C (R).

Ensure your fingers are pressing down firmly just behind the frets to get a clear sound. Let the remaining strings (3rd and 1st) ring open, as they are part of the chord:

• 3rd string (G): Open, producing the note G (5)
• 1st string (E): Open, producing the note E (3)

Strum the 5th string down to the 1st string to play the C major open chord. Avoid playing the 6th string (E string) as it is not part of the chord voicing.

Chord Visualisation

Below is the tablature to help you visualise the C major open chord:

Tablature:

e|---0---| (Open String)
B|---1---| (Index Finger)
G|---0---| (Open String)
D|---2---| (Middle Finger)
A|---3---| (Ring Finger)
E|---x---| (Do not play)

By following these instructions, you should be able to play the C major open chord using three fingers effectively.