The C Major CAGED Shape

The C major CAGED shape uses the 5th (A) string as the root of the chord and uses the same strings and frets as the open C major chord. The white dots on the C major shape below are the root notes, and each of these chords is moved up and down the guitar neck.

**The C Major open chord (left) and the C-Shape Movable CAGED shape (right).**

How to Play Barre Chords With The C-Shape

Find the Root: use the root diagram below to find the correct root note on the 5th string.

**The Root note locations on the A (5th) string. Use this diagram to find the location of the barre for the C-Shape CAGED System chord.**

Place the chord shape: Place your 4th finger on the root of the C major chord, place your 3rd finger one fret behind your 4th finger on the 4th string, and your 2nd finger on the 2nd string on the fret behind your 3rd finger. Place the bar with your first finger so it sits three frets behind the root. For example, if your root note is on the 6th fret (Eb), place the bar on the 3rd fret.
Form the Barre With Your Index Finger: while the chord shape is in place, form the barre shape (imitating the shape of a capo) and press down on the fret with the side of your index finger.

C Major Shape Barre Chord Exercises

Practice locating and playing the C Major shape barre chords by playing the exercises below. No strumming pattern is required, but it is important to be able to learn to move each shape up and down the fretboard to play different chords using the C major shape.