The C Major Chord
A chord is a group of three or more notes played together. 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. The C major chord is indicated by the letter C. This is called the chord symbol.
C Major Chord
C
To play the C chord, place the third finger of your left hand just behind the third fret of the first string. The other three strings are played as open strings.
Strumming
Play all four strings at the same time with your index finger, thumb or pick, 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.
Strumming with the first finger
Strumming with the thumb
Strumming with the fingers
Strumming with the pick
Quarter Note Strum
This is the symbol for a downward quarter note strum. It lasts for one beat. There are four quarter note strums in one bar of * time.
Whole Note Strum
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 five bars of the C major chord played in * time. The chord symbol is written above the staff and is placed at the beginning of each bar. Play the chord with four quarter note strums in each bar. To make an example sound complete, always end with a whole note strum V of the first chord, shown at the end of this example.
