# Guitar Question - Should I always use a C/G instead of a C chord? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 10, 2014, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268 "2014-08-10T21:54:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/21 "2014-08-12T00:28:00Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > D/F# is primarily a passing chord. I just like the sound. > > Open D is my least favorite chord. It’s so thin with just the bottom 4 strings. I use Drop D tuning whenever possible or use a capo and use different chord shapes to play in the key of D. Ah, but there are some songs you just need that D position for, like “Here Comes The Sun”, The notes in a D major are D F# and A. An open 5th string is an A which will work in a D chord. Then you just have to mute the 6th string with your thumb. > [@WordMan](#): > > I use that G all the time - and yeah, Hide Your Love is a perfect reason why. That added fifth just makes it sound nice. > > No one has mentioned the C/G you can do over that? You play **Ranger Jeff** ’s Country G (I haven’t got a better name ;)) and just move the index and middle fingers each up a string for the C, keeping ring and pinky where they are on the E and B strings, 3rd fret… Love that chord. I think that’a a Cadd9. I’ve used that too. You know, you can barre the 6th and 5th strings with your middle finger on the 3rd fret when you play that. For that matter, you can make that same barre with your ring finger when you’re playing a C/G. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/22 "2014-08-12T00:47:34Z")
I’m Pulling up a chair and learning something new. 😉 so you take this Big G [![](http://www.freeguitarvideos.com/Images/g-chord.jpg) ](http://www.freeguitarvideos.com/Images/g-chord.jpg) drop your 1 and 2 fingers down a string and get C add9 [![](https://worshipguitarguy.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/cadd9-chord1.gif) ](https://worshipguitarguy.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/cadd9-chord1.gif) I’m adding this to my list of tricks. 😃 Thanks guys. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/23 "2014-08-12T02:37:21Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > I think that’a a Cadd9. I’ve used that too. You know, you can barre the 6th and 5th strings with your middle finger on the 3rd fret when you play that. For that matter, you can make that same barre with your ring finger when you’re playing a C/G. Yep, Cadd9 (or Cadd2). One of my favorites, too. I also prefer the four-fingered G over the “standard” three-fingered one. I don’t know what it is, but that open ringing B string always sounds a bit annoying to me. ---
**Author:** ![DChord568](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@DChord568](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DChord568)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/24 "2014-08-12T03:33:37Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Yep, Cadd9 (or Cadd2). One of my favorites, too. I also prefer the four-fingered G over the “standard” three-fingered one. I don’t know what it is, but that open ringing B string always sounds a bit annoying to me. I would have got around to mentioning x32033 eventually, I’m sure! It is a great chord. And I would call it a Cadd2. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think you can have a ninth without a seventh, and there’s none in that chord. ---
**Author:** ![DChord568](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@DChord568](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DChord568)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/25 "2014-08-12T03:37:46Z")
> [@WordMan](#): > > I use that G all the time - and yeah, Hide Your Love is a perfect reason why. That added fifth just makes it sound nice. And in certain passages of the song, John plays an Fadd2 (xx3213) and Dsus4 (xx0233) as well just for color, rather than a standard F and D. Duck soup 'cause you can keep your pinkie anchored on the third fret of the high E the whole time. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/26 "2014-08-12T03:51:47Z")
Duck soup? ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/27 "2014-08-12T03:54:25Z")
> [@DChord568](#): > > I would have got around to mentioning x32033 eventually, I’m sure! It is a great chord. > > And I would call it a Cadd2. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think you can have a ninth without a seventh, and there’s none in that chord. They’re basically synonymous. A C9 would definitely have a seventh (at least implied), but not a Cadd9 or Cadd2–it’s just an added tone, no seventh required. That’s what the “add” is there for. A C9 would be C-E-G-Bb-D. A Cadd9 would be C-E-G-D. If you want to be really nitpicky, the difference would be in the voicing. An “add2” implies a voicing where the “D” is added within the chord, so like “C-D-E-G,” while “add9” would imply above the base chord, like “C-E-G-D.” In my own experiences with notation, I have not noticed any consistency, and I personally treat them synonymously. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/28 "2014-08-12T03:57:43Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Duck soup? Basically means something easy to do. The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight Tonight” has a similar thing (at least how I know it–I think I learned it from the official transcription) going on in the chorus. It goes Cadd9 (x320033), G (320033), Dsus4 (xx0233), letting you leave your pinky and ring finger on the third fret of the the B and E strings. ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/29 "2014-08-12T04:08:05Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’ve noticed sheet music doesn’t seem very guitarist friendly. 😉 As Mister Rik said they don’t put much thought into how a guitar is played. They just interpret the piano chords and expect us to play them. True for typical “PVG” (Piano-Vocal-Guitar) sheet music, with a piano part, a vocal melody part, and guitar chord boxes - but in general you want to avoid that stuff - there is plenty of music specifically arranged for guitar available out there, usually with tab…many books come with CDs, and if you want video there are plenty of DVDs and online options as well. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/30 "2014-08-12T16:17:56Z")
I play the 4 finger C whenever possible. Much easier to transition to a G when needed, and it’s a piddling change to hit C7. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2014, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/31 "2014-08-12T23:14:04Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > An “add2” implies a voicing where the “D” is added within the chord, so like “C-D-E-G,” A voicing that would be virtually impossible to play on a guitar without either some completely wack alternate tuning, or freakishly-long fingers to let you play the C-D-E on three different strings 😃 ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_great_unwashed/32/4791_2.png) [@The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2014, 10:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/32 "2014-08-13T10:46:36Z")
> [@Clothahump](#): > > I play the 4 finger C whenever possible. Much easier to transition to a G when needed, and it’s a piddling change to hit C7. Uh? Both these changes are manifestly easier with the three finger x32010 (or 032010) C chord. Just sayin’ \* \*x32010/032010 have their own disadvantages (eg. muting the 6th or tolerating the low open E which is often less than ideal) ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/33 "2014-08-14T06:31:56Z")
I would think optimization would depend on which fingers are the easiest to move quickly. G(no index) to C seems easier than either G to any C/G. You might get a better sound out of C/G or help get better fingering technique, but I wouldn’t think it would make the change itself any faster. It would be more to help you make chord changes faster in the future. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/34 "2014-08-14T12:11:10Z")
Since the Cadd9 chord (now that I know to call it that! ;)) went over so well, I thought I would add this, too: x13033 - basically, a BFlat barre chord, but you are only playing the low 2 strings of that barre while keeping the Country G high strings with your ring and pinky. An awkward stretch at first, but totally worth it. You play this chord, then shift your index and middle to the Cadd9, then resolve on D (moving to G sounds great, too). Sheryl Crow uses this in the chorus of Difficult Kind, a favorite of mine. And Bb, C, D is the heart of Layla, so this is a variation on that, too. Worth a try, guitar people!! ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/35 "2014-08-14T16:50:40Z")
One of my favourite chord substitutions is sliding the 3 finger C shape up two frets in place of D. I find it a little punchier. So, 032010 goes to x54032. ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/36 "2014-08-14T16:56:57Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > One of my favourite chord substitutions is sliding the 3 finger C shape up two frets in place of D. I find it a little punchier. So, 032010 goes to x54032. Oh yeah - love that chord. I will arpeggiate it (i.e., pick the strings individually) to get a nice airy sound… ---
**Author:** ![DChord568](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@DChord568](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DChord568)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/37 "2014-08-14T17:36:31Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > One of my favourite chord substitutions is sliding the 3 finger C shape up two frets in place of D. I find it a little punchier. So, 032010 goes to x54032. > [@WordMan](#): > > Oh yeah - love that chord. I will arpeggiate it (i.e., pick the strings individually) to get a nice airy sound… This is the famous “Sugar Mountain” chord, the first one heard in the song (though Neil tunes his guitar down a full step when he plays it). When he transitions from the first G chord back into this one, he plays two single A pickup notes. Don’t know if it’s how he did it, but I fret the E string at the fifth fret, then play the open A. So the first one rings out rather than getting choked by the second note. ETA: swampspruce, I think you mean x5403x, or maybe x54030! ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/38 "2014-08-14T18:41:13Z")
I’ve seen a D played 254232 (index finger barring across the 2nd fret and then a 3 finger C bumped down a finger, so to speak) by George Harrison and John Lennon. I’ve tried it and determined that unless you’re going to or from a Bm or a G, it’s not worth the bother. ---
**Author:** ![DChord568](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/439d5e/32.png) [@DChord568](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DChord568)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/39 "2014-08-14T19:43:22Z")
> [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > I’ve seen a D played 254232 (index finger barring across the 2nd fret and then a 3 finger C bumped down a finger, so to speak) by George Harrison and John Lennon. I’ve tried it and determined that unless you’re going to or from a Bm or a G, it’s not worth the bother. Yes, I’ve noticed this on a lot of Beatles live performance videos, too, and it always throws me for a loop. I don’t see the advantage of playing a D this way when the standard version is so much easier and rings out so much better. I find that C position chord barred up the neck very awkward to play. The only time I can think of when I use it is in going from C#m to E in “All I’ve Got to Do” and at the end of “All My Loving.” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_great_unwashed/32/4791_2.png) [@The\_Great\_Unwashed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Great_Unwashed)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2014, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268/40 "2014-08-14T20:17:49Z")
> [@DChord568](#): > > Yes, I’ve noticed this on a lot of Beatles live performance videos, too, and it always throws me for a loop. I don’t see the advantage of playing a D this way when the standard version is so much easier and rings out so much better. Didn’t you once say (of me) > [@](#): > > Let’s just say I’m glad I’ll never have the opportunity to see your “musicianship” on display…much less share a stage with you. Let me take the opportunity to say LOL! Maybe, just maybe, John or George (or whoever) thinks that a) the f# third is musically important b) the “standard version” (again, LOL) is not appropriate in a given context \*precisely \*because it rings (and or other musical considerations) c) having taken the time to learn to use that shape they might as well make good use of it (or merely show off (you know, their mega-awesome talent and all that)) d) it afforded them a laugh at would-be imitators who are thrown for a loop by such a relatively simple demand Did I say it yet? LOL! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guitar-question-should-i-always-use-a-c-g-instead-of-a-c-chord/695268.md?page=3)