C Chord on Guitar - how to play with easy finger positions (2024)

The C chordFinger placement for C major over E chordHow to play an easy C major over E chord on guitarHow to play a C major over E bar chordCommon C major over E chord progressionsDrills to master the C major over E chordSongs that feature the C major over E chordHow a guitar teacher can help

The most common way to play a C major over E chord on guitar is on the 8th fret, using a barre chord shape.

Follow these finger positions to play a C major over E chord on your guitar:

1. Barre your index finger across all six strings at the 8th fret.
2. Place your ring finger on the 10th fret of the 5th (A) string.
3. Place your pinky finger on the 10th fret of the 4th (D) string.
4. Place your middle finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.

To strum this chord, use a downward motion starting from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest) string. You can also alternate between downward and upward strums for a more dynamic sound.

Playing a C major over E barre chord can give your playing a fuller, richer sound compared to the open version of the chord. It also allows you to easily transition to other barre chords or play the chord in a different position on the neck.

Here's how to play a C major over E barre chord:

1. Place your index finger across all six strings at the 8th fret, creating a barre.
2. Place your middle finger on the 9th fret of the 3rd (G) string.
3. Place your ring finger on the 10th fret of the 5th (A) string.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 10th fret of the 4th (D) string.
5. Strum all six strings from the low E string to the high E string.

The C major over E chord, also known as C/E, is a first inversion chord that can add a sense of movement, anticipation, or resolution to a progression. It often serves as a passing or transitional chord, creating a smooth connection between other chords. C/E can evoke a feeling of lift, lightness, or a momentary shift in the emotional landscape of a song. Here are some common chord progressions featuring the C/E chord:

• I - V6 - vi - IV (C - G/B - Am - F) - Used in "Let It Be" by The Beatles and "Someone Like You" by Adele
• I - V6/vi - vi - V (C - A/C# - Am - G)
• I - V6/vi - IV - V (C - A/C# - F - G)
• I - V6 - IV - V (C - G/B - F - G) - Used in "Imagine" by John Lennon and "The Scientist" by Coldplay
• I - ii - V6 - I (C - Dm - G/B - C)

To master the C major over E guitar chord, try this essential drill: play each note of the chord individually, allowing each one to ring out clearly. Start with the low E, then move to the G, and finally, the high C. Focus on playing each note cleanly and in tune. Once you're comfortable with this, try transitioning between the notes smoothly, creating a simple melody.

Another helpful drill is to practice strumming the chord, ensuring all notes are ringing out simultaneously. Begin with slow, even strums, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the chord.

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Here are 10 popular songs you can play with the C major over E chord:

1. Don't Stop Believin' by Journey (C, G, Am, F, Dm, E)
2. Let It Be by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F, Dm, E)
3. Hey Jude by The Beatles (C, G, Am, F, Dm, E)
4. Imagine by John Lennon (C, G, Am, F, Dm, E)
5. Hotel California by Eagles (Am, E, G, D, F, C, Dm)
6. Wonderwall by Oasis (Am, C, E, F, G)
7. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd (D, C, G)
8. Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver (G, D, Em, C, Am)
9. Stand By Me by Ben E. King (A, F#m, D, E)
10. Zombie by The Cranberries (Em, C, G, D)