C power chord chord (C5) on guitar and piano

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C power chord
The C power chord chord (C5) is made of the notes C and G. It is built from the root C with a perfect fifth.
The power chord is just the root and the fifth: with no third it is neither major nor minor, and it sounds powerful. It is the foundation of rock and metal.

C power chord

Notes: C – G
Guitar — positions on the neck
C5×××3134C5×××8134C5×××10134
Piano — root position and inversions
C5C15C GC5C15G C

Fingerings and positions

On guitar, this chord can be played in 3 ways along the neck. It is most often played with a barre. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x355xx. On piano, the right hand plays 2 notes, in root position or in an inversion.

Notes and intervals

Note
Interval
C
root
G
perfect fifth

Neighbouring chords

Try it in the app

Hear the chords, play them as a progression, switch instrument, note names (Do Ré Mi or C D E) and theme:

Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the C power chord chord?

The notes of the C power chord chord (C5) are C and G.

How do you play the C power chord chord on guitar?

On guitar, this chord can be played in 3 ways along the neck. It is most often played with a barre. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x355xx.

How is the C power chord chord built?

The C power chord chord (C5) is made of the notes C and G. It is built from the root C with a perfect fifth.