Explore chords · Ukulele
C 5th chord on ukulele (C5)
Also called or written C5, C or C power chord
C 5th is built from C and G. The open shape keeps the root on the third string and mutes the reentrant G string for a clean bass.
How it is built
Formula 1, 5
- Root positionC–GC5×-0-3-3
- First inversionG–CC5/G0-0-3-3
How do you play a C 5th chord on ukulele?
C 5th is played in open position as × 0 3 3: index finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The C string rings open. The G string stays muted.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | muted | — | — |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
BeginnerThe muted fourth string must stay silent while the index and middle fingers hold the 3rd fret cleanly.
Open · 0-0-3-3
C 5th is played in open position as 0 0 3 3: index finger on the E string at fret 3 and middle finger on the A string at fret 3. The G and C strings ring open.
Full note and interval breakdown
| String | Fret | Finger | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | open | — | G (5) |
| 3 (C) | open | — | C (1) |
| 2 (E) | 3 | 1 | G (5) |
| 1 (A) | 3 | 2 | C (1) |
Why it sounds like that
C 5th uses the formula 1, 5, so it contains only the root C and the perfect fifth G. The perfect fifth interval gives the chord its open, stable sound. Compare it to C major, which adds the major third E.
What goes wrong with C 5th?
- Letting the fourth string ring out, which changes the bass note from C to G.
- Pressing the index finger too flat and deadening the first string.
- Placing the middle finger on the fret wire, causing a buzz on the A string.
When to use it
C 5th works as the I chord in C major progressions like C–F–G–C (I–IV–V–I). Use it in rock or folk strumming where a full major chord sounds too busy. It also pairs with F 5th and G 5th for power-chord riffs.
Changing to and from C 5th
- Move to F major by lifting the fingers and placing the index on the 2nd string 1st fret and middle on the 4th string 2nd fret.
- Move to G major by shifting the index and middle fingers up one string each, to the 2nd fret of the 3rd and 1st strings.
Which voicing to use
The open position keeps the root C as the lowest note, giving a solid foundation. The C5/G inversion adds the open G string, which raises the bass to G and creates a lighter, more suspended feel.
Other C chords
Common questions
How is C 5th written?
C 5th is written as C5 or C. It is also called a power chord.
Why is the fourth string muted in the open position?
The fourth string is tuned to G, which is a chord tone, but muting it keeps the root C as the lowest note. This preserves the intended voicing and bass clarity.
Can C 5th be played with the fourth string open?
Yes, that gives the C5/G inversion. The open G string becomes the bass note, making the chord sound less grounded and more open.
What is the difference between C 5th and C major?
C 5th omits the major third E, leaving only C and G. This makes the chord neither major nor minor, so it fits over both major and minor progressions.