Rock I-bVII-IV
Power chords keep the harmony open while the root movement carries the riff.
Guitar chord companion
C Power Chord
Learn the C Power chord on guitar with chord tones, intervals, and interactive fretboard shapes.
1C5G
Playable C Power Chord voicings
Start with these chord-box shapes, then use the full fretboard below to see every chord tone.
C shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: x 3 5 5 x x
A shape, fret 3
Low to high strings: x 3 5 5 x x
G shape, fret 8
Low to high strings: 8 10 10 x x x
E shape, fret 8
Low to high strings: 8 10 10 x x x
D shape, fret 10
Low to high strings: x x 10 12 13 x
Full fretboard map
Every C Power Chord chord tone across the neck, with roots highlighted for quick orientation.
CAGED
Common progressions using C Power
Try these progressions to hear the chord in context instead of treating it as an isolated shape.
Root-fifth drive
Alternate the tonic and dominant roots for a direct rock or punk rhythm part.