Piano chord
C Major Chord
C is a major chord built on C. It contains the notes C – E – G.
C
Also written: Cmaj, CM
- C
- E
- G
Notes in C
Count up from C using the intervals below. The formula shows each note relative to the C major scale.
| Notes | Intervals | Formula | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 | 0 |
| E | Major 3rd | 3 | 4 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 | 7 |
How to play C on piano
- Right hand: fingers 1–3–5 (thumb on C).
- Left hand: fingers 5–3–1 (little finger on the lowest note).
- Press the keys together, then try playing them one at a time as an arpeggio.
C inversions
An inversion puts a different note of C at the bottom. The notes stay the same, the colour and voice leading change.
Root position
CC – E – G
1st inversion
C/EE – G – C
2nd inversion
C/GG – C – E
About major chords
The cornerstone of Western music. Three notes stacked in a bright, stable arrangement that feels complete and resolved.
Sound: Bright & triumphant
Songs that use it
- Let It Be · The BeatlesRock
- Happy · Pharrell WilliamsPop
- Don't Stop Believin' · JourneyRock
Keys that contain C
C is built only from notes of these keys. The Roman numeral shows its role in each key.
Hear C with different sounds and compare it with other chords in the interactive builder.
Open in the chord builderPractising on an acoustic piano that sounds off?
If chords sound sour even when you play the right notes, the piano is probably out of tune. Our technicians tune pianos across Israel.