C Piano Chord

The C major chord (C) is made of the notes C, E and G. Its formula is 1 – 3 – 5.

Tap the keyboard to hear C.

Notes in C

Note	Formula	Interval from root
C	1	root
E	3	major 3rd
G	5	perfect 5th

How to play C on piano

Right hand: fingers 1-3-5
Left hand: fingers 5-3-1

Fingers are numbered from the thumb (1) to the little finger (5).

C inversions

root position: C

C – E – G · RH 1-3-5, LH 5-3-1

1st inversion: C/E

E – G – C · RH 1-2-5, LH 5-3-1

2nd inversion: C/G

G – C – E · RH 1-3-5, LH 5-2-1

Other names for C

C is also written as Cmaj, CM.

Keys that contain C

C major (C is the I chord)
F major (C is the V chord)
G major (C is the IV chord)
D minor (C is the VII chord)
E minor (C is the VI chord)
A minor (C is the III chord)

More C chords

Major chords in every key