Guitar arpeggio
C Major Guitar Arpeggio
C Major is a three-note arpeggio built from C, E, and G. It is also commonly called C Major Triad. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C, E, G
- Formula
- 1 3 5
- Semitones
- 0 4 7
- Chord symbols
- Cmaj, CM
- Also called
- C Major Triad
How to read this arpeggio
The chord tones are shown as pitch classes first. In the fretboard tool, square markers represent C root notes, while circular markers represent the remaining tones in the arpeggio.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C root notes and connect the remaining major chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called C Major Triad.
Chord construction and defining tones
C major combines 3 (E) and 5 (G). The major third establishes the major quality, and the perfect fifth completes the stable triad.
Harmonic use
Use this arpeggio to outline Cmaj and other major chords directly, especially when a line needs to land clearly on the chord rather than move through the full scale.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C Major arpeggio from one C root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Alternate between the root and 3 (E) and 5 (G), listening for how the third defines the chord more strongly than the fifth.
- Play short ascending and descending phrases over Cmaj, changing direction on a different chord tone each time.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C Major loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard