The C Major triad and its inversions
The most fundamental chord in any key is that key’s “triad.” So called because it is made up of three notes, and the three notes which define the key. These are the root, third, and fifth degrees of the scale. In C Major, the notes that make up the triad are C, E, and G. Because there are three notes, there are three combinations of how those notes can be arranged, which we call inversions. So first, let’s go through the C Major triad and its inversions so we can establish and get comfortable with the C Major chord, the main identifier of the key of C Major.
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.
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.
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.
Other triads in C Major
When a triad is built on other degrees of the scale, we can see the other chords that live in the key of C Major.
The primary chords in C Major
The primary chords are the I, IV, and V chords, also called the “tonic,” “subdominant,” and “dominant” of the key. In C major, those chords are C Major, F Major, and G Major chords.
C Major cadence chord progressions
Cadence chords help establish the key and get your fingers familiar with common patterns.
