C5 chord (C power chord) on guitar
How to finger C5, which notes it contains and which chords it is played with. Tap the diagram to hear it, then play it below in a progression with other chords.
About the C5 chord
C5 is C power chord. Notes: C – G. Formula: 1 – 5.
Difficulty: easy (power chord) (1 out of 3). Two or three strings and one shape you can slide along the neck: fine from the first weeks. The chord is common, especially in blues, rock and pop, so it is worth knowing after the basics.
How to place your fingers
- Press: string 5 (A) — fret 3; string 4 (D) — fret 5; string 3 (G) — fret 5
- Do not play (mute): string 6 (E); string 2 (B); string 1 (e)
Where it appears
C5 is found in these keys: C (I), G (IV), F (V).
Progressions with C5
Every progression starts on C5 and all its chords come from one key, so the changes sound natural. Play them in the block above; the Roman numerals show each chord's degree.
- C5 – F5 – G5 – F5 (I5 – IV5 – V5 – IV5)
- C5 – Bb5 – F5 – C5 (I5 – bVII5 – IV5 – I5)
Try it in practice
Practise chord changes