C chord (C major) on piano
C (C major) has three notes: C, E and G. Its formula is 1, 3, 5. In major keys, C is the I chord in C major, the IV in G major and the V in F major.
C inversions and fingering
C E G · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1
E G C · RH 1-2-5 · LH 5-3-1
G C E · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-2-1
Hear it and see every shape in ScaleSpace →
| Symbol | C |
|---|---|
| Also written | Cmaj, CM |
| Notes | C E G |
| Formula | 1 3 5 |
| Intervals | root, major third, perfect fifth |
| Type | Major chord |
C across the keyboard
Piano, C3 to C5. Notes in this scale, low to high: C3 (1), E3 (3), G3 (5), C4 (1), E4 (3), G4 (5), C5 (1).
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Questions
What notes are in the C chord?
C (C major) has three notes: C, E and G. Its formula is 1, 3, 5. C is the root, E is the major third and G is the perfect fifth.
How do you play C on piano?
Play C, E and G together. Root position: C E G · RH 1-3-5 · LH 5-3-1.
What key is C in?
In major keys, C is the I chord in C major, the IV in G major and the V in F major. It is diatonic to those keys, so it fits songs in any of them.
What is the difference between C and Cm?
C has a major 3rd, E. Cm lowers it a half step to Eb, which is what makes it sound minor. The root and 5th stay the same.