KEYS / CHORDS
Left-handed guitar chords in the key of C
The key of C major uses the notes C, D, E, F, G, A and B. These seven diatonic chords give you a useful starting point for rhythm playing, songwriting and chord changes.
The seven chords in C major
| Scale degree | Chord | Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | C major | C, E, G | Home |
| ii | D minor | D, F, A | Move away |
| iii | E minor | E, G, B | Relative minor colour |
| IV | F major | F, A, C | Lift |
| V | G major | G, B, D | Dominant pull |
| vi | A minor | A, C, E | Relative minor |
| vii° | B diminished | B, D, F | Tension |
String order: every portrait chart reads from E, the thickest string, to e, the thinnest. The diagrams are drawn for a left-handed player.
Useful shapes in C major
These are practical starting voicings. Learn one or two at a time, then play them as a progression rather than memorising a list.
C major
Open C shape
x / 3 / 2 / 0 / 1 / 0
D minor
Open D minor shape
x / x / 0 / 2 / 3 / 1
E minor
Open E minor shape
0 / 2 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0
F major
F barre shape
1 / 3 / 3 / 2 / 1 / 1
G major
Open G shape
3 / 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 3
A minor
Open A minor shape
x / 0 / 2 / 2 / 1 / 0
B diminished
Compact B diminished shape
x / 2 / 3 / 1 / 3 / x
Try these progressions
- C, F, G: a simple I, IV, V movement.
- C, Am, F, G: a common four-chord loop.
- Dm, G, C: a ii, V, I resolution.