C major (C) chord on piano

The C major chord (C) is a major triad, made of three notes: C – E – G.

Root position: C4 – E4 – G4

What the C chord sounds like

A major triad sounds stable and bright: root, major third and perfect fifth. Most songs are built on major chords – in a major key, chords I, IV and V are all major.

Notes of the C chord

Degree	Note	Interval from the root
1	C	root
3	E	major third (4 semitones)
5	G	perfect fifth (7 semitones)

Root position and inversions

An inversion uses the same notes, with a different note at the bottom. When you change chords, choosing the nearest inversion keeps your hand almost still.

Root position

C4 – E4 – G4

1st inversion

E4 – G4 – C5

2nd inversion

G4 – C5 – E5

Which keys is it in?

The C chord is built from the notes of these keys (for minor keys, both the natural and the harmonic minor are considered):

C major: I (tonic)
F major: V (dominant)
G major: IV (subdominant)
F minor: V (dominant)
D minor: VII
A minor: III
E minor: VI

Similar chords and substitutes

If C is too hard, or you want a different colour in the same spot, these chords are worth a try.

Substitutes (by function)

Am – relative minor: two shared notes, a common stand-in for the tonic
Em – mediant minor (iii): two shared notes
Cmaj7 – a softer, jazzier tonic colour
Csus4 – suspended version that resolves back to this chord

Richer versions

C7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
Cmaj7 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
C6 – the same chord plus 1 colour note
Cadd9 – the same chord plus 1 colour note

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C chord?

C, E, G. The root is C; the intervals of the other notes from the root: major third, perfect fifth.

How do I play the C chord on piano?

In root position, the right hand usually plays with fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger, little finger); four-note chords with fingers 1, 2, 3 and 5. The left hand mirrors this: 5, 3, 1. In an inversion the top or bottom note moves to the other side, so your hand moves less when you change chords.

How is the C chord written?

The chord symbol is C, and its full name is C major.