C5 uses the notes C, G. This left-handed chord chart puts the shape in your playing orientation. Tune to Whole Step Down before trying these shapes; the string labels on each chart show the tuning used.
Three playable chord shapes
All three charts use Whole Step Down tuning. Compare the named shapes and their fret positions, then choose the one that fits your chord change. The shapes shown are alternatives, not a progression.
Tuning, lowest to highest: D – G – C – F – A – D. Chord names describe the notes that sound in this tuning.
Shape 1
Open D5 shape
Shape 2
A5 shape · fret 5
Shape 3
E5 shape · fret 10
What you are playing
Chord notes: C, G. Standard tablature stays unchanged, so you can use the same note order as any mainstream lesson or transcription.
Practise it for ten minutes
Form the shape without strumming, check each intended string, then release and rebuild it five times before practising slow four-beat changes.
- Shape Type: This is an open-position voicing, so the nut and open-string markers matter as much as the fretted notes.
- String Check: Let C (string 4) ring open, fret A (string 2) at fret 3 and F (string 3) at fret 2, mute D (string 1), G (string 5) and D (string 6).
- Grip Control: Use the mirrored chart to keep the root on the correct bass-side string so palm muting and downstrokes line up cleanly.
- Next Scale: The quickest lead connection from this chord is C Minor Pentatonic. Start there if you want the page to turn into a chord-to-scale practice loop.