Guitar arpeggio
C Power Chord Guitar Arpeggio
C Power Chord is a two-note arpeggio built from C, and G. It is also commonly called CFifth and C5. Use it to study chord tones, interval formulas, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Chord tones
- C, G
- Formula
- 1 5
- Semitones
- 0 7
- Chord symbols
- C5
- Also called
- CFifthC5
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 power chord chord tones across standard tuning.
This same arpeggio shape is also commonly called CFifth or C5.
Chord construction and defining tones
C power chord uses only 1 (C) and 5 (G). With no third, the shape does not specify a major or minor quality.
Harmonic use
Use this two-note structure over C5, riffs, and harmonically ambiguous passages where the root-and-fifth sound should remain direct.
Practice this arpeggio on guitar
- Play the C Power Chord arpeggio from one C root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and interval degree aloud.
- Find 1 (C) and 5 (G) on every adjacent string pair and play them in both directions.
- Build a C-centered riff that alternates single notes, octaves, and root-fifth shapes without adding a third.
Fretboard diagram
Open this arpeggio in the fretboard tool
Start with C Power Chord loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard