The following diagrams contain different ways of playing the popular chord progression in the key of C Major – C, Am, Dm, G. This is also known as a I iv ii V (1, 6, 2, 5) chord progression in the key of C Major. The first image contains chord diagrams for playing the chords, using open chord voicings. Keep scrolling for some alternative ways to play the chord progression.
C – Am – Dm – G with Barre Chords (Version 1)
The following chord shapes include both root 6 and root 5 barre chords, played approximately in the lower part of the fretboard.
C – Am – Dm – G with Barre Chords (Version 2)
The following chord shapes include both root 6 and root 5 barre chords, played approximately in the higher part of the fretboard.
C – Am – Dm – G using Triads
The following shapes are triads, played on the first three strings of the guitar.
C – Am – Dm – G using Four-String Voicings
The following shapes include four-string voicings. These shapes can be useful when trying to avoid the lower strings of the guitar (for example, when playing with a bass player). They’re great for Funk/Pop playing.
Further Reading
- C Major Chord
- A minor Chord
- D minor Chord
- G Major Chord
- Guitar Chords Page
- Chord Progressions in C Major