C5 chord on guitar
C5 is the power chord: C and G (1–5). On guitar, the diagram shape is x x x 0 1 3, with G in the bass.
On the guitar, six strings give the chord room to breathe — some positions use them all, others ask you to mute the lowest ones. In this C5 voicing the bass is G and the shape runs from fret 1 to 3, ringing 1 open string. Its hollow wooden body gives every chord a warm, natural ring that blooms and fades on its own.
Notes and formula of C5
Notes in C5: C – GFormula: 1 – 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
Rock, riffs and textures where the third would get in the way of the low-end weight.
See also
Part of the Triads family.