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C(Major Chord)

A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

Notes
C – E – G
Intervals (semitones)
0 – 4 – 7
Type
Triad

🎹 C on Piano

Press highlighted keys simultaneously to play the C chord.

R
C(Root (R))
2
E(Major 3rd)
3
G(Perfect 5th)

🎸 C on Guitar

Fret numbers (low E → high e string): x32010(x=mute, 0=open)

x
E
3
A
2
D
0
G
1
B
0
e

Interval Analysis

DegreeInterval NameSemitonesNote in C
RootRoot (R)0C
3rdMajor 3rd4E
5thPerfect 5th7G

About the C Major Chord

The C chord (C Major) consists of 3 notes: C, E, G. A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth.

To build any major chord, apply intervals of 0, 4, 7 semitones above the root. Starting from C: the notes land on C, E, G.

Playing C on Piano

Press C, E, G simultaneously. In root position, C is lowest. First inversion places E in the bass for a lighter sound; second inversion uses G as the bass note.

Common Chord Progressions Using C

  • I–IV–V: C – F – G (blues and rock)
  • I–V–vi–IV: C – G – Am – F (pop staple)
  • I–vi–IV–V: C – Am – F – G (50s progression)

The C Chord in Context

As a major chord, C is the tonic (I) in the key of C major. It also appears as the IV chord in G major, and as the V chord in F major — making it one of the most important chords across all of Western music.

Other C Chords

Cm
Minor
C7
Dominant 7th
Cmaj7
Major 7th
Cm7
Minor 7th
Cdim
Diminished
Caug
Augmented

Major Chord in All 12 Keys

CC#DD#EFF#GG#AA#B
🎹 Virtual Piano
Play C on piano
🎸 Virtual Guitar
See on the fretboard
🎵 C Scale
Notes that fit C
🎶 Songs
Find songs using C

FAQ

C Chord — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the C chord?
The C Major chord contains: C, E, G. These notes are derived by applying the major interval formula (0–4–7 semitones) to the root note C.
What is the C chord used for?
A bright, happy triad built from a root, major third, and perfect fifth. The C chord is used across pop, rock, jazz, and classical music. As the I chord in the key of C major, it functions as the most stable resting point in progressions.
How do you play C on piano?
On piano, play C, E, G simultaneously. In root position, C is the lowest note. Inversions move the bass note up — first inversion has E lowest, second inversion has G lowest.
How many notes are in a major chord?
A major chord has 3 notes: C, E, G (in C). It is a triad — the most fundamental chord type.
What is the difference between C major and C minor?
The C major chord (C–E–G) uses a major third (4 semitones), giving it a bright, happy sound. The C minor chord (C–D#–G) uses a minor third (3 semitones), giving it a darker, emotional sound.
What key does C belong to?
C naturally serves as the I chord in the key of C major. It also appears as IV in the key of G major, and as V in the key of F major.
Can I play C on ukulele?
Yes. The ukulele uses GCEA tuning with 4 strings. The C chord notes (C, E, G) can be fretted on a ukulele, though the shapes differ from guitar due to the 4-string layout and shorter scale.
What chords go well with C?
In the key of C major, C pairs naturally with F major (IV), G major (V), and Am (vi). The classic I–IV–V (C–F–G) is the foundation of blues, country, and rock.
What is a chord inversion of C?
An inversion places a non-root note in the bass. C root position: C in bass. First inversion: E in bass. Second inversion: G in bass. Inversions create smoother bass line movement without changing the harmony.
How do I memorize the notes in a major chord?
Remember the formula: 0–4–7 semitones from root. For C: start on C, add 4 semitones, then 7 semitones. Practicing this across all 12 roots builds instant recognition of any major chord.