The C Major Chord
A chord is a group of three or more notes that are played together. They are used to accompany a singer, or an instrumentalist who is playing the melody of a song. The first one you will learn is the C major chord, which is usually called the C chord and is indicated by the letter C. Major chords are the most common and have red fretboard dots on their chord diagrams.
C Major Chord
C
To play the C chord, place the first finger of your left hand just behind the first fret of the second string, the second finger just behind the second fret of the fourth string and your third finger just behind the third fret of the fifth string.
To play the C chord, play all six strings with the pick at the same time using a downward motion. This is called a strum. Hold the pick lightly and strum from the wrist. Keep your wrist relaxed. If any notes buzz or sound deadened you may have to press harder with the left hand fingers and make sure that your fingers are just behind the fret (not too far back).
Strumming
This is the symbol for a downward strum. This is a quarter note strum. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter note strums in one bar of * time.
This is a whole note strum. It lasts for four beats. There is one whole note strum in one bar of * time.
In the following example there are four bars of the C major chord played in * time. The chord symbol is written above the staff and a new chord symbol is placed at the beginning of each bar. Play the chord with four quarter note strums in each bar. To make the example sound finished always end with one strum of the first chord (a whole note strum q).
