C5 chord on ukulele

C5 is the power chord: C and G (1–5). On ukulele, the diagram shape is 0 0 3 3, with C in the bass.

On the ukulele, the high reentrant G makes every shape light — and with four strings, every note is exposed. In this C5 voicing the bass is C and the shape sits at fret 3, ringing 2 open strings. Its soft nylon strings sound warm and mellow, light enough to float gently over a song.

Notes and formula of C5

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

Rock, riffs and textures where the third would get in the way of the low-end weight.

See also

Part of the Triads family.

See the full explanation of C5 →

Updated October 20, 2026