C5 Guitar Chord Chart | C Powerchord
Welcome to our tutorial on the C 5 chord, a member of the power chord family. Power chords, as you may know, are composed only of the Root and the Fifth. The notes that make up the C 5 chord are C, and G.
This chord is built using the intervals 1 (Root) and 5 (Perfect Fifth). If you're not familiar with these terms, intervals are the distances between the notes. For a more comprehensive understanding of intervals and how they build chords, check out our fretboard intervals tutorial and our guitar music theory tutorial.
Power chords like the C 5 are the backbone of genres like rock, punk, and heavy music. They sound particularly great on an electric guitar with a bit of distortion. You can learn more about this in our power chords tutorial.
In this tutorial, we'll be showing you how to play the C 5 chord using chord diagrams and fretboard patterns. These will highlight the tones that compose the chord, making it easier for you to understand and play. If you come across a chord shape you don't know how to name, our interactive chord namer tool can help you out.
So, let's dive into the world of the C 5 chord and start making some powerful music!
Notes of the C 5 chord:
Formula of the Powerchord chord:
C5 Guitar Chord Shapes
Chord boxes are sorted from the easiest to the hardest. Learn how to read chord diagrams.
If you have difficulties with bar chord shapes, check the Bar Chords Tips tutorial.
You can also use this accessible chords page with written diagrams instruction.
Position 1
Movable
Position 2
Movable
Position 3
Movable
Position 4
Movable
Position 5
Movable
Position 6
Movable
Position 7
Barre
Movable
You can find more shapes in our all guitar chords online library. If you
prefer a printable pdf, download
the Free Guitar Chords Chart Pdf
FAQ
What notes are necessary to play a C5 power chord?
The C5 power chord is fundamentally composed of only two notes: the root note C, and its perfect fifth, G. This minimal two-note structure is what defines it as a power chord.
Why are chords like C5 referred to as "power chords"?
They are called power chords because they consist solely of the root and the perfect fifth. This simplified interval structure creates a strong, robust, and harmonically stable sound, particularly effective when amplified or distorted, making them a foundational element in genres like rock and heavy music.
What does the number "5" in "C5" mean in guitar chords?
The '5' in C5 specifically indicates that the chord is built using the root note (C) and its perfect fifth (G). It signifies the inclusion of the fifth interval and the deliberate omission of the third, which is present in standard major or minor chords.
Why are C5 power chords often highlighted as sounding great with distortion, especially on electric guitar?
Power chords like C5 are harmonically stable because they lack the major or minor third. The third can create complex overtones that might become muddy or dissonant when heavily distorted. The simple root and fifth structure of a C5 allows it to maintain clarity and power even with high gain, contributing to its iconic rock sound.
How does a C5 power chord differ from a standard C major or C minor chord?
The primary difference lies in the absence of the third interval. A C major chord includes a major third (E), and a C minor chord includes a minor third (Eb). The C5 power chord contains only the root (C) and the perfect fifth (G), making it neither major nor minor, and giving it a more ambiguous, yet powerful and versatile quality.
Can I play the C5 power chord effectively on an acoustic guitar, or is it only for electric?
Yes, you can absolutely play the C5 power chord effectively on an acoustic guitar. While power chords are strongly associated with electric guitars and distortion due to their sonic characteristics, the chord structure itself works perfectly on an acoustic, providing a strong, unambiguous, and foundational sound.