Hi Paula,

Here are a couple of ideas for you.

First of all, if you are learning on a nylon string guitar, I think it will be much more difficult because generally speaking, a nylon string guitar has a neck that is wider and thicker than a steel string guitar. That being said and assuming that you have a steel string guitar, when making a C chord, keep in mind that the fingers are angled when on the guitar. Take a look at this example:

http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=10758

Streets of Laredo at 00:13 seconds from the start

...perhaps is may help. You will see hopefully what is meant by fingers being angled.

Another idea is to place a capo on the guitar in perhaps the fifth fret and try to make your C chord there. The frets are closer together there and it may not seem as uncomfortable when you do this. I hope this helps.

Best wishes,

Bobby Howe