Also written C, Cmaj or CM
C major contains the notes C, E, and G. This beginner shape uses open strings and only two fretted notes, making it one of the easiest bass chords to play.
The same three notes, with a different one in the bass.
C major is built from the formula 1, 3, 5: root C, major third E, and perfect fifth G. The major third, four semitones above the root, gives the chord its bright, stable quality. Lower that third by one semitone to E♭ and you get C minor, the parallel minor with a darker sound.
C major appears as the I chord in the I–IV–V–I progression C–F–G–C in C major. It also works as the IV chord in G major and the V chord in F major. Use C major for bright rock, country, and pop bass lines that need a strong root.
The open voicing puts the root C in the bass, giving a solid, grounded sound. For a lighter feel, use the C/E inversion, which places the third in the bass and adds forward motion. The C/G inversion with the fifth in the bass works well when you want a less assertive low end.
C major is played in open position as × 3 2 0: middle finger on the A string at fret 3 and index finger on the D string at fret 2. The G string rings open. The E string stays muted.
Tip — Muting the 4th string while fretting the 3rd and 2nd strings requires careful hand positioning.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (3) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
C major is played at the 8th fret as 8 10 10 9: index finger on the E string at fret 8, ring finger on the A string at fret 10, pinky finger on the D string at fret 10 and middle finger on the G string at fret 9.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8 | 1 | C (1) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 3 | G (5) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 4 | C (1) |
| 1 (G) | 9 | 2 | E (3) |
C major is played in open position as 0 3 2 0: middle finger on the A string at fret 3 and index finger on the D string at fret 2. The E and G strings ring open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | open | — | E (3) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (3) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
C major is played at the 10th fret as 12 10 10 12: ring finger on the E string at fret 12, index finger on the A string at fret 10, middle finger on the D string at fret 10 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 12.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 12 | 3 | E (3) |
| 3 (A) | 10 | 1 | G (5) |
| 2 (D) | 10 | 2 | C (1) |
| 1 (G) | 12 | 4 | G (5) |
C major is played in open position as 3 3 2 0: middle finger on the E string at fret 3, ring finger on the A string at fret 3 and index finger on the D string at fret 2. The G string rings open.
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3 | 2 | G (5) |
| 3 (A) | 3 | 3 | C (1) |
| 2 (D) | 2 | 1 | E (3) |
| 1 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
C major is written as C, Cmaj, or CM. There is no enharmonic spelling for C major.
C major has a major third (E), while C minor has a minor third (E♭). This single note changes the chord from bright to dark. The fifth, G, is the same in both chords.
Yes, the 8th fret voicing puts the root C on the 4th string and uses the same shape as the open position but higher. This voicing sits well when the bass needs to cut through a dense mix.