Major · beginner

C over E(C/E)

C major with E as the lowest note. This first inversion gives a bass line that rises smoothly from C into F or Am.

Notes

CEG

Intervals

R35

Finger placement

  1. ARing finger (3): fret 3 of the A string.
  2. BMiddle finger (2): fret 2 of the D string.
  3. CIndex finger (1): fret 1 of the B string.
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321ECEGCE

Sounding notes shown below · low E on the left

× Don’t play○ Open string1–4 Fingers● Root (ring)

Choose a string to hear its note.

String & finger reference
C over E, Open inversion
StringFretFingerNote
6 · low EOpen—E
5 · A33C · root
4 · D22E
3 · GOpen—G
2 · B11C · root
1 · high EOpen—E

Common mistakes

  • Starting the strum on the wrong bass string changes the inversion.
  • A fingertip touches an open string and stops it ringing.

Coaching tips

  • Let the low E string ring, then use the familiar C shape on the other strings.
  • Play the bass note alone first, then strum the complete shape to hear the inversion.

Troubleshooting

The slash chord sounds like the plain chord

Check that the lowest note is E; start your strum on that bass string.

An open string is muted

Arch the fretting fingers and check the open strings one at a time before strumming.

Easier alternatives

  • C

Progressions that use C/E

Descending bass in C

C · G/B · Am · Am7/G · F · C/E · Dm · G

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C over E chord?

C over E contains C, E, G — the intervals R, 3, 5 from the root C.

Is C over E a beginner chord?

C over E is rated beginner. C major with E as the lowest note. This first inversion gives a bass line that rises smoothly from C into F or Am.

C over E: the slash chord sounds like the plain chord — what should I do?

Check that the lowest note is E; start your strum on that bass string.

C over E: an open string is muted — what should I do?

Arch the fretting fingers and check the open strings one at a time before strumming.