Chords › C5
C5 Power Chord on Guitar
- C5
- C · G
- From fret 3
Movable, fret 3
C5 is a power chord: just the root and the fifth, with no third, so it is neither major nor minor and stays clear under distortion. C5 has no open shape, so it is usually played as a 3-string shape from the 3rd fret.
How to play C5, finger by finger
- Put your index finger on string 5 at the 3rd fret.
- Put your ring finger on string 4 at the 5th fret.
- Put your pinky finger on string 3 at the 5th fret.
- Strum strings 5 to 3 only.
More ways to play C5
Notes in C5
| Note | Interval | Role |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root |
| G | 5 | fifth |
Formula: 1 – 5
Questions about C5
What notes are in C5?
C and G. Those are the 1, 5 of the chord, counted from C.
Which strings do I strum for C5?
Start on string 5 and strum down to string 1, and leave the strings marked with an X silent.
Is C5 major or minor?
Neither. A power chord has only the root and the fifth (C and G), so it fits songs in C major and C minor alike. It is the standard chord for rock and metal rhythm guitar.
Related chords
Often played with C5
Other power chords