Major chord (C) on electric guitar
C is the major chord: C, E and G (1–3–5). On electric guitar, the diagram shape is x 3 2 0 1 0, with C in the bass.
On the electric guitar a chord needs only a few clear notes — the amp sustains them and fills the space, so you mute the strings you are not playing and let the tone carry the rest. In this C voicing the bass is C and the shape runs from fret 1 to 3, ringing 2 open strings. Plugged into an amp, each chord sustains for as long as you hold it, and the tone — clean or driven — shapes the whole sound.
C on electric guitar: shapes and notes →
Notes and formula of C
Notes in C: C – E – GFormula: 1 – 3 – 5In 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.
See also
Part of the Triads family.