Why Learn C Major and B Minor Chords?

C Major and B Minor are two fundamental guitar chords that appear in thousands of popular songs across all genres. These essential building blocks will expand your playing ability and unlock countless song possibilities.

If you're following our beginner series, make sure you've mastered D Major and E Minor from Part 1. By the end of this lesson, you'll know four essential chords!

How to Play C Major and B Minor Chords

The C Major chord creates a bright, happy sound, while the B Minor chord produces a more melancholic tone. Together, they form the foundation for countless chord progressions.

C Major Chord

1 2 3 4 5

E B G D A E

Don't play the low E string

B Minor Chord

1 2 3 4 5

E B G D A E

Strum from A string down

C Major Chord Fingering

Index Finger (1): Place on the 1st fret of the B string (2nd string)

Middle Finger (2): Place on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string)

Ring Finger (3): Place on the 3rd fret of the A string (5th string)

Notes: Strum from the A string (5th string) down. Don't play the low E string.

B Minor Chord Fingering

Index Finger (1): Barre across all strings at the 2nd fret (strings 1-4)

Middle Finger (2): Place on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string)

Ring Finger (3): Place on the 4th fret of the D string (4th string)

Pinky Finger (4): Place on the 4th fret of the G string (3rd string)

Notes: This is a barre chord. Don't play the low E or high E strings. This chord is challenging for beginners!

Popular Chord Progressions

Pattern 1: The "Axis of Awesome" Progression

Em - C - G - D

Used in thousands of hit songs across all genres!

Pattern 2: Classic Pop/Rock

G - D - Em - C

A timeless progression heard in countless popular songs

Pattern 3: Simple Resolution

G - C - Am - D

Perfect for beginners - creates a satisfying sense of resolution