The C/E chord, also known as the C slash E chord, is the most commonly used in guitar playing. It adds a sweet, open sound to your guitar voicings. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how to play a C/E chord and how to use it in your guitar playing.
What is a C/E chord?
A C/E chord is a C major chord with an added E note in the bass. So while a regular C major chord contains the notes C, E, and G, a C/E chord contains those same notes, but with the lowest note being an E instead of a C. This emphasizes the E note in the chord and gives it a different mood and color.
How to Play This Chord
Here is the most common way to play a C/E chord on the guitar:
- Place your first finger on the first fret of the B string (this is your second root C note).
- Place your second finger on the second fret of the D string (this is your E note).
- Place your third finger on the third fret of the A string (this is your first C root note).
- Strum from the E string downward to all six strings.
So you are only fretting three strings: the B, D, and A strings. Make sure the other strings are opened with your fretting hand for a clean chord sound. Strum all the six strings.
C/E chord variations
Also read: Most Common Basic Open Chords
How To Play A5 Chord On Guitar
Using C/E Chords in Guitar Playing:
C/E chords have a bright, vibrant sound that can inject some life into chord progressions. They work great if you want to create an uplifting mood.
Some ideas for using C/E chords:
- Use them at the start of choruses to create excitement and interest.
- Switch between regular C chords and C/E chords in the same progression.
- Use them in place of G chords or C chords.
- Strum C/E chords for rhythmic stabs on upbeat parts of songs
- Fingerpick arpeggios using the C/E chord shape.
Once you get familiar with the C/E chord, you’ll discover many uses for its unique sound. It provides a great alternative to plain major chords within both strumming and fingerpicking accompaniment.
So that covers the essentials of how to play and utilize the C/E chord on guitar. Experiment with adding this chord to your progressions for new sounds. Have fun with it!
Songs with C/E Chords
When We Were Young, Adele
[Intro]
Am Em F C/E Dm C [Verse]
Am Em Everybody loves
F C/E
the things you do Dm From the way you talk to
C
the way you move Am Em F C/E Everybody here is watching you Dm Cause you feel like home,
C C C/B
you're like a dream come true Am Em F C/E But if by chance you're here alone Dm Can I have a moment before
C C C/B
I go Am Em Cause I've been by myself
F C/E
all night long Dm Hoping you're someone
Gsus4 G
I used to know
Read More
Heart They Didnt Break- Maddie & Tae
[Chorus]
F She ain't the one that
slammed the door and
C G
tore off in a truck F She ain't the one that
made me feel like
C G
I ain't good enough Am G But someone's gotta help
C
clean up the mess
C/E F
you went and made Am G So, here's to friends
C F
there to fix a heart
G C
they didn't break Read More
Two Heart by Dermot Kennedy
[Intro]
Am G
C/E F
Am G
C/E F [Verse]
Am G We open up at the station on
C/E F
a freezing night Am G He said, "Honey, I can't do more than
C/E F
a brief goodbye Am G C/E How could our farewell mean as much
F
as our time? Am G Honey, I'll be gone It's better if
C/E F
I'm something that Am G C/E F That you leave behind Am G C/E F That you leave behind Am See, what it was G C/E F Was a reason to believe in life Am What it was G C/E F Was a week spent under sleepless skies Am G But sometimes life ain't fair C/E F And a love has to die" Am Her sunny smile was gone G C/E F Started feeling like something that Am G C/E F That she needs to hide Am G C/E F That she needs to hide Read More
Red by Taylor Swift
[Bridge]
F G
Remembering him comes in flashbacks and echos
Am G/B
Tellin' myself it's time now gotta let go
C F
But moving on from him is impossible
C/E G
When I still see it all in my, head
F Am G
And burning red
F Am G
Burning was reeeeed
[Chorus]
F F F N.C. C C C N.C.
Oh losing him was blue, like I'd never known
G G G N.C. G G G
Missing him was dark grey, all alone
F Am
Forgetting him was like tryin' to know somebody
G
You never met
F
Cause loving him was red
Am G
Yeah, yeah, red
F Am G
Oh Burning reeeeeeeed
Read More
Toughest by Ed Sheeran
[Verse] C I don't know what to think F C/E G The word cut through the day C The doctor said it's cancer F C/E G And the baby's on the way C Life changes in a blink F C/E G Decisions to be made C They say radio's the answer F C/E G And that both lives can be saved [Pre-Chorus]
F Points for timing,
it could not get worse C G What the heck are we going to do? F But you're the type to defeat
the hardest obstacles C G Put in front of you [Chorus]
C F C/E You are the toughest in the room G C And I know that love will get us through F C/E And life will overcome the pain
G
that grows in you C F C/E 'Cause you are the toughest in the room G You showed me strength I never knew C F When love is on our side
C/E G
there's just no way to lose F But I still can't help but break down
Read More
FAQS
-
Is the C/E chord hard to learn?
Moderate: Depends on your experience, practice makes perfect!
-
Do I need to know other chords before learning the C/E?
No: Basic open chords are helpful but not essential.
-
How can I use the C/E chord to create different moods in my playing?
Experiment with strumming patterns and dynamics.
-
What are some famous guitarists who use the C/E chord?
John Mayer, Ed Sheeran, and countless others!
-
My C/E chord sounds muffled. What am I doing wrong?
Check finger placement and ensure strings are fully pressed.
-
The strings buzz when I play the C/E chord. How can I fix that?
Adjust finger pressure and string height to reduce buzzing.
-
What are some other slash chords I can learn?
Try G/B, D/F#, or A/C# for different flavors.
-
How can I use slash chords to improvise solos?
Slash chords add color, and experiment with different progressions.