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C Major Chord
The C Major Chord is C, E, and G, all on white keys. The notes are evenly spaced, so the hand settles into the shape without much adjustment, which makes it a good chord for noticing balance. As we play it, let's listen for whether the top note carries a little more than the others, and whether the thumb lands heavier than we intend.
How to play the C Major Chord on the piano
Let’s go through some charts that will familiarize you with the C Major Chord and how to play it in the various forms you will encounter in pieces of music. First, we’ll look at the fundamental chord and its inversions; then, we’ll explore some more complex voicings.
The C Major Chord in root position
In root position, the notes of the C major chord are stacked in thirds with C on the bottom. The appearance on the staff is evenly spaced, as is the feeling of the space in between your fingers while playing.
| C Major Chord in root position | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | C E G |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | C |
The C Major Chord in first inversion
In first inversion, the third of the chord (E) becomes the bottom note, and the root (C) jumps up to the top.
| C Major Chord in 1st inversion | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | E G C |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 3 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 2 5 |
| Chord Symbol | C6 or C/E |
The C Major Chord in second inversion
In second inversion, the fifth of the chord (G) is on the bottom, and the third of the chord (E) goes to the top.
| C Major Chord in 2nd inversion | |
|---|---|
| Note Order | G C E |
| Left Hand Fingering | 5 2 1 |
| Right Hand Fingering | 1 3 5 |
| Chord Symbol | C6/4 or C/G |
More voicings of the C Major Chord
The voicing of a chord refers to the order and register of the notes being played. Once you have a good grasp of the fundamental inversions, try experimenting with some different voicings by re-ordering the chord tones and moving them around the piano.
C Major Chord theory and function
The C major chord is the root in the key of C major, the dominant (V) in the key of F major, and the subdominant (IV) in the key of G major. It is a consonant chord and has an open, resonant sound.
Other chords built on C
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