C, major chord
C, E and G
- Root
- C
- Major third
- E
- Perfect fifth
- G
Formula
1 3 5 (4, 7 half steps above C)
Fingering in root position
| Notes | C | E | G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 1 |
C major inversions
C major has 2 inversions. Each one keeps the same notes and puts a different one at the bottom, so your hand can stay close to the chord before or after it.
C
Root position
| Notes | C | E | G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 1 |
C/E
First inversion
| Notes | E | G | C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 3 | 1 |
C/G
Second inversion
| Notes | G | C | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Left hand | 5 | 2 | 1 |
Keys with C major
Roman numerals give a chord's place in a key: capitals for major chords, small letters for minor, ° for diminished. C major appears as:
- I in C major
- IV in G major
- V in F major
- VI in E minor
- V in F minor
- III in A minor
- VII in D minor
How C major is built
C is the root, E the major third and G the perfect fifth.
A major chord is a root, the major third 4 half steps above it and the perfect fifth 7 half steps above it. Lower the middle note by one key and C major becomes C minor.
Every chord takes every other letter of the alphabet, so the letters of C major are C, E, G. That is why it is spelled C, E and G.
Find C major yourself
Without looking at the diagrams, find the chord on the keyboard, then each inversion. Saying the notes out loud as you tap them helps them stick.
Step 1 of 3
Tap the notes of C major, in any octave and any order.
Practice C major in real music
MasterPiano gives you new music to read at your level and listens as you play, through a MIDI keyboard or your device's microphone, marking each note right or wrong.
Start freeQuestions
What notes are in the C major chord?
C major (C) has three notes: C, E and G. C is the root, E the major third and G the perfect fifth.
What fingers do you use for C major on piano?
In root position, play C, E and G with right hand fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb, middle finger and little finger) and left hand fingers 5, 3 and 1. The fingers change a little in each inversion; every inversion on this page shows its own.
What are the inversions of C major?
C major has 2 inversions, one for each note other than the root at the bottom. First inversion (C/E): E, G and C. Second inversion (C/G): G, C and E.
What key is C major in?
C major is I in C major, its home key. It also appears as IV in G major, V in F major, VI in E minor, V in F minor and III in A minor.