Where is C on the guitar fretboard?

All 12 positions of C on a standard-tuned guitar with 22 frets.

All positions of C

• 1st (high E) string · fret 8
• 1st (high E) string · fret 20
• 2nd (B) string · fret 1
• 2nd (B) string · fret 13
• 3rd (G) string · fret 5
• 3rd (G) string · fret 17
• 4th (D) string · fret 10
• 4th (D) string · fret 22
• 5th (A) string · fret 3
• 5th (A) string · fret 15
• 6th (low E) string · fret 8
• 6th (low E) string · fret 20

About this note

C is the root of the C major scale — the simplest scale in Western music with no sharps or flats. It is the reference pitch for "middle C" on the piano (C4) and a common key for beginner guitar songs.

Tips for memorizing

Start with the lowest fret on each string. Notice the octave shapes — the same note repeats every 12 frets along a single string. Across strings, octaves form predictable visual shapes (e.g., 2 strings down + 2 frets up).

Try the interactive trainer to drill C until it becomes automatic. Most learners get all six strings comfortable within a week of 5-minute daily sessions.