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Chord & Fret

C on cavaquinho

C on cavaquinho — frets 2 0 1 2C213EGCE
Frets: 2 0 1 2

On the cavaquinho, four steel strings tuned D–G–B–D pack the chord into a small, bright space — every finger counts. In this position the bass is E and the shape runs from fret 1 to 2, ringing 1 open string. Its four steel strings give a bright, sharp attack that cuts through the mix and drives the beat.

Notes on C: C – E – GFormula: 1 – 3 – 5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

Where to use it: Tonic, subdominant or dominant depending on the scale degree; the foundation of most repertoire.

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of C on cavaquinho. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; open every variation on the neck, grouped by bass note; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.

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Part of the Triads family.

See the full explanation of C →