Chords and strumming
This version of C, which I call the funny C chord, is really a Cadd9. If you know G, you’re almost there: move two fingers over one string each.
If you’ve played a folk-style C chord, this one might look a little funny. Most of the time I teach the traditional fingering first, but this is one of the few exceptions.
How to Play It
From a four-finger G chord, move your middle and index fingers over one string each: middle finger to the 5th string, 3rd fret, and index finger to the 4th string, 2nd fret. Your ring finger and pinky stay where they are.
From scratch, string by string:
- 1st string: pinky on the 3rd fret
- 2nd string: ring finger on the 3rd fret
- 3rd string: open
- 4th string: index finger on the 2nd fret
- 5th string: middle finger on the 3rd fret
- 6th string: not played
To keep the 6th string quiet, let your middle finger lean just enough to touch it lightly. In the photo below, you can see my middle finger barely touching the low E string.
New to chord diagrams? Here’s how to read a chord diagram.
Why Start With This C?
- It changes to G and D smoothly. You’ll often play G, C and D together, and this C is the closest of the C chords to both. You’ll find it mostly in the key of G, one of the most common keys on the guitar.
- It has a modern sound. Many modern songs in G use this version. It adds a little more color than a folk-style C.
Cadd9 or Cadd2
The technical name is Cadd9. You’ll also see it written Cadd2. They’re two names for the same chord, because the 2 and the 9 are the same note an octave apart. Don’t get hung up on the theory.
How to Practice It
- Form the chord, press down, then release and shake out your hand.
- Count to 5, form it again and strum it once or twice. Adjust as you need to.
- Press your fingers down a little more, then release.
- After a few rounds, count to 3 instead of 5.
A few minutes a day and it’ll start to feel natural. Watch the funny C chord exercise. Then put it together with G and D in the three first chords to learn.
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