How to Play Guitar Chords in the Key of C

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In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play guitar chords in the key of C: C, F, G, and Am, as well as a hammer on/off and voicing tricks.

Guitar Chords In The Key Of C Diagrams

The C Major Chord

 

This is the voicing of C that I like to use when playing songs in the key of C. It’s a bit different that the voicing of C I use when playing in G, but I think it sounds better in this key.

The F Chord

 

I call this an F ‘open’ chord. It’s easier to play than a barre chord (which is what you’d typically play with an F), and I like the way it sounds with the open high E string ringing out.

The G Major Chord

 

 

This is a G Major chord, and much like the C major chord, it’s a bit different that the G I like to play when playing in the key of G. This might be the hardest chord of this lesson because you’ll need to stretch out your pinky finger to get the high E string.

The Am Chord

 

Make It Interesting!

You can do a lot of cool things with hammer-ons and pull-offs in the key of C.

The C chord

Use your pinky (4) finger to hammer on the A string and then use your middle (2) finger to pull off the A string. Here are the diagrams to illustrate:

 

You can also work the magic on the B string using your index finger. Hammer on with your pinky (4) finger and then pull your index (1) finger off the B string.

 

The F chord

Try pulling your index (1) finger off the B string to add some flavor:

 

The G chord

With the G chord, all the fun is happening on the B string (just like the F chord). Hammer your index (1) finger on the B string, 1st fret, and then hammer your pinky (4) finger on the B string, third fret. When you do the pinky hammer-on, make sure you mute the high E string, or it might sound a little sour. I mute that string with the meat of my fretting hand.

 

The Am Chord

We’re still on the B string with the Am. Hammer on the B string, third fret with your pinky (4) finger. You can then pull your index (1) finger off the B string for the pull-off.

 

Alternate Voicings

Slide from F to G

One trick I like to use a lot is sliding into the G chord from the F. To do this, simply slide all your fingers up 2 frets. Here’s how it looks – the diagram on the left is F, and the one on the right is G

 

C chord (alternate voicing)

You can put your ring (3) finger on the low E string, third fret to add a nice rich bass note to the C chord.

Songs you can learn using these chords

Cornerstone by Hillsong