How to play the C major chord on the piano
Let’s go through some charts and musical examples that will familiarize you with the C major chord and how to play it in the various different forms you will encounter in pieces of music.
First, we’ll look at the most fundamental chords and inversions; then, we’ll explore some more complex voicings and real-world examples.
The C major chord in root position
In root position, the notes of the C major chord are symmetrically 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.
Examples of the C major chord in music
To put the C major chord in context, here are some examples of famous pieces of music in which the C major chord appears prominently.
Beethoven: Sonata No. 3 in C Major
This sonata opens with a gentle but firm statement of the C major chord in root position. It is then surrounded by neighboring tones and reinforced by the dominant chord.
Bach: Prelude in C Major, WTC Book I
This iconic prelude uses the C major chord in a broken pattern to solidly establish the key.
