Major (barre) chord
Level 3: Barre chords
Notes: C, E, G · Frets 3 to 5
Also known as: C, C major, Cmaj, C barre, barre C, C bar chord
Fretting hand for left-handed players (your right hand), C major barre. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.Fretting hand for right-handed players (your left hand), C major barre. The numbers on the fingertips match the numbers on the chart.
- 1Index
- 2Middle
- 3Ring
- 4Pinky
- TThumb, behind the neck
How to play C major barre
- Lay your first finger flat across every string from the A string to the high E string at the third fret.
- Place your second finger on the fifth fret of the D string.
- Place your third finger on the fifth fret of the G string.
- Place your fourth finger on the fifth fret of the B string.
- Strum only the A, D, G, B and high E strings.
Tips for new players
- Keep your thumb behind the neck and let your fingers arch.
- Press just behind the fret, not on top of it, so every string rings clearly.
- Barre chords take strength. Build up slowly and rest your hand when it gets tired.
Chord video
Watch C major barre, step by step
A short animation that builds the C major barre chart and explains every symbol on it.
- X marks a string that is muted or not played.
- Open circle marks a string you play without fretting.
- Numbered dot marks a fretted string. The number is the finger to use.
Learn and practice C major barre
Practice progression
C, D, E
Switch between C, D and E until the changes feel smooth.