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C 5th chord on guitar (C5)
Also called or written C5, C or C power chord
C 5th contains the notes C and G. This intermediate power chord at the third fret requires a two-fret stretch between the index and ring fingers.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
- Root positionC–GC5×-3-5-5-×-×
- First inversionG–CC5/G3-3-5-5-×-×
How do you play a C 5th chord on guitar?
C 5th is played at the 3rd fret as × 3 5 5 × ×: index finger on the A string at fret 3, middle finger on the D string at fret 5 and ring finger on the G string at fret 5. The low E, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | muted | — | — |
| 5 (A) | 3 | 1 | C (1) |
| 4 (D) | 5 | 2 | G (5) |
| 3 (G) | 5 | 3 | C (1) |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
IntermediateThe hardest part is the two-fret stretch between the index finger and the middle and ring fingers at the third fret.
8th fret
C 5th is played at the 8th fret as 8 10 10 × × ×: index finger on the low E string at fret 8, middle finger on the A string at fret 10 and ring finger on the D string at fret 10. The G, B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8 | 1 | C (1) |
| 5 (A) | 10 | 2 | G (5) |
| 4 (D) | 10 | 3 | C (1) |
| 3 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
C5/G inversion
C 5th is played at the 3rd fret as 3 3 5 5 × ×: index finger on the low E string at fret 3, middle finger on the A string at fret 3, ring finger on the D string at fret 5 and pinky finger on the G string at fret 5. The B and high e strings stay muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (5) |
| 5 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
| 4 (D) | 5 | 3 | G (5) |
| 3 (G) | 5 | 4 | C (1) |
| 2 (B) | muted | — | — |
| 1 (e) | muted | — | — |
Why it sounds like that
C 5th is built from the 1st and 5th degrees of the C major scale, giving the formula 1–5. The perfect fifth interval creates the open, neutral sound typical of power chords. Compare it with C major, which adds the major third E for a complete major triad.
What goes wrong with C 5th?
- The 6th string sounds because the thumb does not mute it.
- The 2nd string rings open when the fretting hand fails to mute it.
- The 4th string buzzes because the middle finger is too far from the fret.
When to use it
C 5th functions as the tonic in C major progressions like C–F–G (I–IV–V) or C–G–Am–F (I–V–vi–IV). Its neutral fifth suits rock, punk, and metal rhythm parts. Use it with C major and G major for a full major sound.
Changing to and from C 5th
- Sliding the shape down one fret to the 2nd fret gives B 5th.
- Sliding the shape up one fret to the 4th fret gives C♯ 5th.
Which voicing to use
The 3rd fret position is the default and works well for barre chord progressions. The 8th fret position moves the shape up the neck for a higher voicing. The C5/G inversion puts the fifth in the bass, giving a less rooted, more open sound.
Other C chords
Common questions
What is the difference between C 5th and C major?
C 5th contains only C and G, while C major adds E. The missing third makes the power chord neutral and suitable for both major and minor contexts.
Can C 5th be played on the 6th string?
Yes, the 8th fret position uses the 6th string at fret 8 for the root C. The default position mutes the 6th string to keep the bass note on the 5th string.
Why is C 5th called a power chord?
Power chords contain only the root and fifth, producing a strong, focused sound with no major or minor quality. They are common in rock and metal because they sound clear under distortion.