C Major Triads on Guitar: Every Inversion on Every String Set
A C major triad is C, E and G (1 3 5). It has three arrangements, root position, first inversion and second inversion, and each can be played on four groups of three strings: all twelve shapes are below.
Keys
CAGED Chords — C
Triads — C
Root position
First inversion
Second inversion
All inversions
The notes of C
C major is a major third (four frets) with a minor third (three frets) on top. Root position puts C at the bottom (C, E and G); first inversion puts E at the bottom (E, G and C); second inversion puts G at the bottom (G, C and E).
C on every string set
On the low E, A and D strings: root position from the fifth to the eighth fret, first inversion from the tenth to the twelfth fret and second inversion from the second to the third fret.
On the A, D and G strings: root position from the open strings to the third fret, first inversion from the fifth to the seventh fret and second inversion from the ninth to the tenth fret.
On the D, G and B strings: root position from the eighth to the tenth fret, first inversion from the open strings to the second fret and second inversion at the fifth fret.
On the G, B and high e strings: root position from the third to the fifth fret, first inversion from the eighth to the ninth fret and second inversion from the open strings to the first fret.
Where the inversions sit in the CAGED shapes
The practice pad above shows C's triads inside each CAGED shape. Use the R, 2, 3 and V switches to see each arrangement:
- Root position: C shape (from the twelfth fret), A shape (from the third fret), G shape (from the fifth fret) and E shape (from the eighth fret).
- First inversion: C shape (from the twelfth fret), G shape (from the fifth fret) and E shape (from the eighth fret).
- Second inversion: C shape (from the twelfth fret), A shape (from the fifth fret) and E shape (from the ninth fret).
Where C appears
Written out, C uses no sharps or flats at all, so it sits in keys at the centre of the circle of fifths.
C belongs to 8 keys: I in C major (no sharps or flats), V in F major (one flat) and IV in G major (one sharp); VII in D minor (one flat), VI in E minor (one sharp) and III in A minor (no sharps or flats); VI in E harmonic minor (one sharp) and V in F harmonic minor (four flats).
Of those, C major, G major, D minor, E minor, A minor and E harmonic minor are among the open-string guitar keys (C, G, D, A and E major, and A, E and D minor), so C turns up often in guitar songs.
Open strings and capo options for C
Three open strings are part of C: the low E string (the third), the G string (the fifth) and the high e string (the third). None of them is the root, so they colour a voicing rather than anchor it.
There's an open C chord at the nut: the C shape.
With a capo you can also play it as the A shape with the capo at the third fret and the G shape with the capo at the fifth fret.
Closely related chords
Its relative minor, Am, shares two notes with C (C and E). Its parallel minor, Cm, shares two as well (C and G). The chords a fourth and a fifth away, F and G, are its neighbours in C major and share one note each: C with F, and G with G.
C triad FAQs
What notes are in a C major triad?
C, E and G. The formula is 1 3 5.
What is the first inversion of C?
E, G and C, with E in the bass. On the G, B and high e strings it sits at the ninth fret, the eighth fret and the eighth fret.
How many C triad shapes are there?
Twelve to learn: root position and two inversions on each of the four three-string sets. They repeat twelve frets higher.
Related
Learn more
How to use guitar triads explains inversions and how to use them in rhythm parts and solos, and triads on all string sets goes through each set in turn. The triad library has every chord.