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C5 (C Power Chord) Chord Guitar

The A-string power chord shape — brighter, tighter, and just as moveable.

The A-string root shape — the same pattern, one string up.
Shares its shape family with D5 and D♯5.
Sounds brighter and tighter than the low-E power chords.
The second chord of the D5–C5–G5–D5 grunge progression.

Root5th

Not played

E6th string

FretMuted

Finger—

Root

ABass5th string

Fret3

Finger1 index

5th

D4th string

Fret5

Finger3 ring

Root

G3rd string

Fret5

Finger4 pinky

Not played

B2nd string

FretMuted

Finger—

Not played

e1st string

FretMuted

Finger—

NotesC – G

Formula1 – 5

Voicingx355xx

TonesC×2·G×1

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Questions about C5 (C Power Chord)

What notes are in a C5 (C Power Chord) chord?

A C5 (C Power Chord) chord contains the notes C, G. It is built from the formula 1 - 5, with C as the root.

When would I use an A-string power chord instead of a low-E one?

Mostly for two reasons: the note you want is simply closer on the A string, or the riff needs to cut rather than rumble. Sixth-string power chords carry more low-end weight; fifth-string ones sit above the mix, which matters when a bassist is already occupying the bottom.

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C5 (C Power Chord) Chord Guitar

This chord sounds even better than it looks.

Questions about C5 (C Power Chord)

What notes are in a C5 (C Power Chord) chord?

When would I use an A-string power chord instead of a low-E one?

Related chords

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