C chord on piano
C Major. Notes: C, E and G.
How to play C
- Find C at or above middle C. That is the root.
- Add E and G above it, skipping the keys in between.
- Right hand fingering: 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky). Left hand: 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
Notes
C inversions
An inversion moves the lowest note up an octave. Same notes, smoother jumps between chords.
Root position
C · E · G1st inversion
E · G · C2nd inversion
G · C · ENotes and theory
The major triad is the bright, settled chord that most songs start and end on. The formula is 1 3 5, and you will also see it written as Cmaj and CM.
Keys that use C
More C chords
All C piano chordsmajor chords in every key
Questions
What notes are in the C chord?
C (C major) is made of three notes: C (root), E (major third) and G (perfect fifth).
How do you play C on piano?
Play C, E and G together. With the right hand use fingers 1-3-5 (thumb, middle, pinky); with the left hand use 5-3-1 (pinky, middle, thumb).
What are the inversions of C?
Root position: C E G. 1st inversion: E G C. 2nd inversion: G C E.
What is the difference between C and Cm?
Only the third changes. C major uses a major third and sounds bright; C minor lowers that note by a half step, which makes it sound darker. The root and the fifth stay the same.
What key is C in?
C belongs to 6 keys: C major (as the I chord), F major (as the V chord), G major (as the IV chord), D minor (as the VII chord), E minor (as the VI chord) and A minor (as the III chord).
What does a major chord sound like?
The major triad is the bright, settled chord that most songs start and end on.