Which notes are in the C chord?

C contains the notes C, E and G. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5.

How many ways can you play C?

Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for C.

Is the C chord hard to play?

Not really. The open position of C uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.

C major · Ukulele

C Chord on Ukulele

The C chord (C major) is built from the notes C, E and G. The ukulele fingering for it is shown below.

Chord diagrams

Copen position

Fingering

string 4 (G): played open
string 3 (C): played open
string 2 (E): played open
string 1 (A): fret 3 — ring finger

Notes in this chord

Degrees: 1 – 3 – 5

How to play

C can be played with open strings on ukulele, which makes it an accessible shape for beginners. Strings marked ○ ring open, while strings marked ✕ are muted.

Theory behind the chord

Major chords sound bright and settled. They are built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, and they carry most of the resolution points in pop, rock and folk. On C this structure sits on the root C, so the degrees 1 – 3 – 5 map onto C, E and G. C is the I chord in the key of C major, the V chord in G major and the IV chord in F major. Its relative minor is Am, which shares the same set of notes. The most common progression it appears in is C – Am – F – G.

Frequently asked questions

Which notes are in the C chord?: C contains the notes C, E and G. Relative to the root these are the degrees 1 – 3 – 5.
How many ways can you play C?: Minory lists a single ukulele fingering for C.
Is the C chord hard to play?: Not really. The open position of C uses open strings and needs no barre, which makes it approachable for beginners.

Practise C on your phone

Minory bundles the full chord library with a tuner, metronome and repertoire notebook — and it all works offline.