The C Major Chord
A chord is a group of three or more notes that are played at the same time. Chords are used to accompany a singer or an instrumentalist who is playing the melody of a song. The first chord you will learn is the C major chord, usually just called the C chord. Major chords are the most common chords. The C major chord is indicated by the letter C. Chords are written on chord diagrams as discussed in the introduction (see 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).
To help keep time play the first quarter note strum in each bar slightly louder than the rest.
