Left-handed C5 diagram
Vertical: high e on the left, nut at the top. Horizontal: high e at the top, nut on the right. X = silent, O = open. Dot numbers are fingers: 1 index, 2 middle, 3 ring, 4 little. A thick line joins notes held with one finger as a barre.
Fret and finger guide
Both codes read from low E to high e, regardless of the diagram view.
- Frets
x · 3 · 5 · 5 · x · x- Fingers
- – · 1 · 3 · 4 · – · –
- Level
- Intermediate (this fingering)
Make a clean C5 chord
Begin at A and play only three strings. Use your index on A, ring on D and little finger on G.
- Place one finger at a time, just behind the fret wire.
- Pick each sounding string slowly. Adjust any finger that mutes its neighbour.
- Release pressure, then make the shape again. Aim for a relaxed hand.
- Strum four beats, rest for four, then repeat. Rest if your hand becomes tired; stop if you feel pain.
More fingering ideas
Try the low-E-root alternative at fret 8.
Fret codes are written low E to high e. An x means leave that string silent.
Practise chord changes with a metronome →C5 notes and chord formula
A power chord contains a root and fifth, often with the root doubled. It has no third, so the surrounding music supplies the major or minor context. Play only the strings shown.
- Formula
- 1 – 5
- Chord notes
- C – G
This shape contains every degree of the chord formula.
How to read chord diagrams · Build a comfortable barre · Connect chord shapes with CAGED
Need a term explained? Chord names and formulas → · Flat fifths and other intervals →