Help needed with music chord meaning?

Hi - need a little help with understanding music chords. I know that C major is CEG and I know that G major is GBD. I came across some music tabs which had C/G written. Does this mean I have the option of playing either the C or the G? Or does this mean something else?

Many of the of the respondents have provided you with the correct answer, that is......C/G, for example is a C major chord with a G in the bass. Of course, to further establish that voicing, it would help to play that same G on the bottom within that same C major construct if possible. It really "boils down" to a 2nd inversion C major chord.

Short answer: When no "/" is provided, the bass is assumed to be the tonic of the named chord. When a different note is displayed after the "/" it implies a non-tonic note in the bass.

Despite, what might be viewed as a dissonant V chord, sometimes you'll encounter what is referred to as a tonic pedal in the bass, whereas you might see...C - F/C - G/C.

EDITED NOTE: Bearcat/Piano289, everytime I state my hard-earned credentials as a source, I receive that same "thumbs down" lack of respect that we all have have experienced herein. I did, however, think I/we might escape in the classical forum.

basically all your seeing is that when the guitar is playin a C chord while the bass plays the G note. some pairs sound awful, but others are like an orgasm (excuse the french).

i am yet to see something like C/G/Bb. i dont even think thats possible, ive learnt music theory for 5 years straight an havent see it yet

c/g is simply (guitar) that when you hold the c chord you also place your finger on the E string 3rd fret so you can strum the whole 6 strings when playing C instead of just the ADGBE you can now strum the whole EADGBE strings

C/G (332010)

The C means you play the C major chord with a G in the bass. or bottom note

This notation can have two meanings. The most common is the C chord with G in the bass interpretation. Some composers have indicated polychords in this manner - meaning a C major chord with a G major chord below.

You play the C chord with the G note added on the bass strings.
If you can't play it then don't worry.....just play the C chord

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Those who have indicated that the symbol stands for a C major chord with a G as a bass note are absolutely correct. Also Mr. Andante did not deserve a thumbs down because polychordal voicings have sometimes been indicated in the exact same way. He is correct as well.

Musician, published composer, teacher.
(edit: masters degree in music)

I think the reason people have given the answer about polychords a thumbs down is because polychords are not going to be in any piece that uses tabs. They would be present in a completely different genre, and therefore an incorrect response.