C5 Guitar Chord

A driving power chord that's fundamental to rock and punk

Difficulty:
x355xx

C5 Chord Diagram

Standard Position

x355xx
Notes: C - G

6th (E) string: Don't play

5th (A) string: 3th fret

4th (D) string: 5th fret

3rd (G) string: 5th fret

2nd (B) string: Don't play

1st (E) string: Don't play

How to Play C5

Place your fingers according to the diagram above. Each number represents which fret to press, and 'x' means don't play that string.

Pro Tip: Press firmly just behind the frets, not on top of them, for the clearest sound.

C5 Variations

C5 (8th fret)

x8,10,10,xx

Higher voicing on the 8th fret

C5 (open)

x3x01x

Open string voicing

Popular Songs Using C5

Famous Examples:

  • Smoke on the Water
  • Wild Thing

More Hits:

  • Louie Louie
  • Come As You Are

Common Chord Progressions with C5

C5-G5-Am-F5

Classic rock progression

C5-F5-G5

Popular progression in C

C5-Bb5-F5

A popular progression used in many songs

Practice Tips for C5

1. Rock Fundamental

Essential for rock, punk, and metal music

2. Barre Technique

Good for practicing barre chord technique

Music Theory Behind C5

Notes in C5: C - G

Scale: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C

Key Signature: No sharps or flats

Relative Major: Am

C5 is a power chord consisting of just the root (C) and fifth (G). It's neither major nor minor, making it perfect for rock and metal.

Master C5 Today!

C5 is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!