C shape of C Major
Symbol: C
C shape
Root
C
Chord tones
C · E · G
Intervals from the root (semitones)
0 · 4 · 7
Position
Open position
String by string
- String 6: not played
- String 5: fret 3 → Croot
- String 4: fret 2 → E
- String 3: open G
- String 2: fret 1 → Croot
- String 1: open E
Note names on this page use the toolkit's sharp spelling throughout: A# and Bb are the same pitch, and this page always writes A#.
The five shapes of C Major
- 1. C shape · Open position
- 2. A shape · From fret 3
- 3. G shape · From fret 5
- 4. E shape · From fret 8
- 5. D shape · From fret 10
Each shape covers the same chord in a different place on the neck; the list shows where each one starts.
Corresponding C Ionian (Major)
Every tone of C Major belongs to C Ionian (Major). The board shows that scale across frets 0–12, connecting this chord shape to the notes around it.
RootIn scaleOutside scale
C · D · E · F · G · A · B
C Major in the C shape sounds 5 of the six strings in standard tuning, and its chord tones are C · E · G.