When you are learning to play the guitar, you will undoubtedly see a lot of references to something called "Middle C". This sounds very daunting to a fresh new musical mind, but it is really very simple. We will see how to find this on a piano or keyboard, where it is in musical notation, then how it is played on the guitar.
On a standard piano, there are 52 white keys punctuated by black keys that are grouped in two's (7 sets) and three's (7 sets) intermittently. At the end of the keyboard is one extra black key for a total of 36 black keys and a total of 88 keys overall.
Now find the name of the piano manufacturer. This is the exact center of the keyboard. Follow the center down and find the set of two black keys nearest this point. The white key to the left of the two black keys is middle C.
In musical notation, middle C is a little more of a challenge, but not much, really. Music is written normally on what is called a Grand Staff, which has the bass line under the treble line. Middle C is located in the precise center of the two lines. This is why it is called middle C. It is found in the "middle" of the keyboard and in the middle of the Grand Staff.
To play the guitar - a middle C would require that you place the ring finger of the left hand behind the 3rd fret of the 5th string. You will notice that this is not the center of the fret board. This is because the guitar is a treble instrument. Bass guitars are a separate instrument altogether and they only have 4 strings.
Because of this location of middle C on the guitar, you have a larger range of notes in the higher registers than a piano. You can also play any chord at any position on the guitar; the only thing that changes is the fingering. This will come easier later on. For now, let's just be happy we know where middle C is at.
To play a C Major chord, do the following:
1. Tune the guitar to standard tuning of E, A, D, G, B, E.
2. Sixth (thickest) string: not played at all.
3. Fifth string: Place ring finger behind the 3rd fret. This tone is a C
4. Fourth string: Place the middle finger behind the 2nd fret. This tone is an E.
5. Third string: Played open (no frets). This tone is a G.
6. Second string: Place the index finger behind the 1st fret. This tone is a C.
7. First string: Played open (no frets). This tone is an E.
8. Arch your hand a bit so all the strings can be heard at one time and drag the pick across the strings.
Are you ready to play the guitar? Do this right and you have made music! This is the easiest way there is to make a C Major chord, so practice it until you can do it every time without muting a string. When you have this down, you can start learning other chords. But take my advice and get this one down first.
To your success as you begin to play the guitar!
