C – Em – F – G (Chord Progression in C Major)

The following diagrams contain different ways of playing the popular chord progression in the key of C Major – C, Em, F, G. This is also known as a I ii IV V (1, 2, 4, 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 – Em – F – 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 – Em – F – 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 – Em – F – G using Triads

The following shapes are triads, played on the first three strings of the guitar.

C – Em – F – 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
• E minor Chord
• F Major Chord
• G Major Chord
• Guitar Chords Page
• Chord Progressions in C Major