C Major

C

C, or C major, is the first chord in the key of C. It is the "root" chord/note of the key, which means all chords naturally want to resolve to C.

In roman numerals, this chord is written as: I

To play this chord, you’ll place your third finger on the A string 3rd fret, your second finger on the D string 2nd fret, play the open G string, place your first finger on the B string 1st fret, and play the open high e string. Here's how you can play the C chord:

Dm

Dm, or D minor, is the second chord in the key of C.

In roman numerals, this chord is written as: ii

To play this chord, you’ll play the open D string, place your second finger on the G string 2nd fret, your third finger on the B string 3rd fret, and first finger on the e string 1st fret. Here's how you can play the Dm chord:

Em

Em, or E minor, is the third chord in the key of C.

In roman numerals, this chord is written as: iii

To play this chord, you’ll play the open low E string, place your first finger on the A string 2nd fret, your second finger on the D string 2nd fret, and play the rest of the open strings. Here's how you can play the Em chord:

F

F, or F major, is the fourth chord in the key of C.

In roman numerals, this chord is written as: IV

To play this chord, you’ll place your third finger on the A string 3rd fret, your fourth finger on the D string 3rd fret, your second finger on the G string 2nd fret, and your first finger on the B string 1st fret, with no open strings. Here's how you can play the F chord:

G

G, or G major, is the fifth chord in the key of C.

In roman numerals, this chord is written as: V

To play this chord, you’ll place your third finger on the low E string 3rd fret, your second finger on the A string 2nd fret, play the open strings D, G, and B, and place your fourth finger on the high e string 3rd fret. Here's how you can play the G chord:

Am

Am, or A minor, is the sixth chord in the key of C.

In roman numerals, this chord is written as: vi

To play this chord, you’ll play the open A string, place your second finger on the D string 2nd fret, your third finger on the G string 2nd fret, first finger on the B string 1st fret, and play the open high e string. Here's how you can play the Am chord:

Bdim

Bdim, Bº, or B diminished, is the seventh chord in the key of C. In all reality you probably won’t play a diminished chord during contemporary worship, however, you may play Gospel, Jazz, Funk, or enjoy writing your own music and may need to know this chord.

In roman numerals, this chord is written as: viiº

To play this chord, you’ll place your first finger on the D string 3rd fret, your third finger on the G string 4th fret, and your second finger on the B string 3rd fret, with no open strings. Here's how you can play the Bdim chord: