Left-handed C 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 · 2 · 0 · 1 · 0- Fingers
- – · 3 · 2 · – · 1 · –
- Level
- Beginner (this fingering)
Make a clean C chord
Start your strum on A. Arch the second finger so the G string stays open.
- 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 xxx010 for a light three-string C voicing while learning the full stretch.
Fret codes are written low E to high e. An x means leave that string silent.
Practise chord changes with a metronome →C notes and chord formula
A major triad contains a root, major third and perfect fifth. Start with a slow change to a chord you already know.
- Formula
- 1 – 3 – 5
- Chord notes
- C – E – 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 →