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Chord & Fret

C5 — power chord

Notes on C: C – GFormula: 1 – 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.

The power chord has only the root and the fifth, with no third. Without the third it is neither major nor minor — a neutral, strong sound that takes distortion well.

The same chord on all four instruments

C5, x x x 0 1 3C512×××GCG
Guitar
C5, x x x 0 1 3C512×××GCG
Electric guitar
C5, 5 5 8 5C551243GCGG
Cavaquinho
C5, 0 0 3 3C512GCGC
Ukulele

Where to use it: Rock, riffs and textures where the third would get in the way of the low-end weight.

This is just one shape of C5. 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 set a capo — the diagrams redraw above it. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. 100% offline.

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Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

CCm

See all chord types and qualities →