How to play the C chord on guitar

C is usually the first chord that asks three fingers to work on three different strings, and the ring finger has to reach the 5th string without touching the 4th.

The 3D hands holding C. Switch to 0.5× and turn the guitar to see each finger.

C: x 3 2 0 1 0

Where the fingers go

Ring finger (3) on the A (5th) string, fret 3.
Middle finger (2) on the D (4th) string, fret 2.
Index finger (1) on the B (2nd) string, fret 1.
Let G (3rd) and high E (1st) ring open.
Do not play low E (6th).

Notes in the chord: C – E – G

Tips

Arch every finger so the tips come down vertically; a flat middle finger mutes the open 3rd string.
Leave the low E out. Start your strum on the 5th string, where the ring finger sits on C.
Practise placing the ring finger first, then middle, then index. The order matters less once it is automatic.

Easier ways to play C

Cmaj7

x 3 2 0 0 0

Lift the index finger off C. Close in sound, and a common first step.

Practise C inside a real song

Paste the chords of any song that uses C, or snap a photo of the sheet. SnapFret plays it with the hands, and you can loop the change you find hardest.

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