What is C5?
The C5 guitar chord is formed by the notes C – G and is played using the fingering x355xx. It’s a power chord commonly used in C5-G5-Am-F5.
C5 Chord Diagram
Standard Position
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 fingertips close to the fret wire using the diagram x355xx.
- Arch fingers so they don’t touch adjacent strings; keep thumb behind the neck.
- Pick each string to check for buzz or mute; adjust pressure and curl.
- Strum slow down-strums; add down–down–up–up–down–up when clean.
Pro Tip: Practice chord changes with a metronome at 70–90 BPM for one-minute rounds.
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.
Related Chords to Learn
Master C5 Today!
C5 is perfect for beginners. Practice daily and you'll have it mastered in no time!