Build and play major chords

LEARN · STEP 1 OF 4

Find the root

C major · Standard

Lesson step

C root1 / 1

Follow the numbered notes one at a time. Finger placement may require position shifts.

Positions & fingering

Playing order · physical string numbers follow the tuning’s listed order
Order	String	Fret	Pitch
1	2	3	C3

Standard reference Explore the full note map Open this example in the workbench (sign-in required)

Read the complete lesson

Find the root

Find C on your Standard fretboard. A root names the chord; changing tuning moves its positions but does not change what the note is. Play this root and use it as your reference.

Build the triad

C major contains C, E, G: root, major third, and perfect fifth. The third is four semitones above the root; the fifth is seven. Open A, D, B strings are outside this triad. Sound only the three marked strings and mute all others. Some shapes stretch across five frets. Choose a comfortable grip and stop if it hurts.

Compare voicings

Each shape contains the same three pitch classes. Root position has C in the bass; first inversion has E; second inversion has G. Compare the available shapes and listen to how their register and bass change. The arrows explore adjacent three-string groups from the lowest-numbered strings upward, starting at your chosen fret. Higher-position shapes keep the same chord tones. Other string combinations and doubled notes can produce more voicings.

Try it yourself

Play a shape, then identify its major third. C major contains C, E, G: root, major third, and perfect fifth. The third is four semitones above the root; the fifth is seven. Try answering before checking the note labels.