C Major Chord

The C Major chord is a major chord built on the root note C. Its notes are C, E and G.

Major chords feel bright, stable, and resolved. They are built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, creating a happy, confident sound that is the backbone of popular music.

C Major on piano

To play C Major on piano, place your right-hand thumb on C, middle finger on E, and little finger on G. Press all keys at the same time and listen for a clear, balanced sound. Practice switching to and from this chord slowly, then with a metronome at a comfortable tempo.

C Major on guitar

On guitar, C Major is commonly played with the voicing shown above. If the chord contains barred notes, keep your index finger flat across the fretboard and curve the other fingers so they do not mute the open strings. Strum only the strings marked as active in the diagram for the cleanest tone.

Play the chord

C Major

C · E · G

C Major chord notes

Formula: 1 · 3 · 5Notes: C · E · G

Degree	Interval	Semitones	Note
1	Root	0	C
3	Major third	4	E
5	Perfect fifth	7	G

How to use the C Major chord

The C Major chord is built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth. Starting from the root C, stack the intervals to get the complete chord: C, E and G. Learning the formula is the fastest way to transpose the chord to any other key.

You will find major chords in almost every style of popular music, from rock anthems and country ballads to pop hits and hymns. They commonly appear as the I, IV and V chords in a major key.

Common progressions

The C Major chord works beautifully in these progressions. Click a chord name to jump to its page.

Pop progression

I → V → vi → IV

CG Am F

Classic I-IV-V

I → IV → V → I

CF GC

50s progression

I → vi → IV → V

CAm F G

Scales that contain C

These scales include C as one of their diatonic chords. Use them to find melodies and improvisation ideas that fit perfectly.

C Major

C · D · E · F · G · A · B

C Lydian

C · D · E · F♯ · G · A · B

C Mixolydian

C · D · E · F · G · A · B♭

C Harmonic Major

C · D · E · F · G · A♭ · B

C Phrygian Dominant

C · C♯ · E · F · G · A♭ · B♭

C Gypsy Major

C · C♯ · E · F · G · A♭ · B

C♯ Gypsy Major

C♯ · D · F · F♯ · G♯ · A · C

C♯ Neapolitan Major

C♯ · D · E · F♯ · G♯ · A♯ · C

D Natural Minor

D · E · F · G · A · B♭ · C

D Dorian

D · E · F · G · A · B · C

D Mixolydian

D · E · F♯ · G · A · B · C

D Aeolian

D · E · F · G · A · B♭ · C

Once you are comfortable with C Major, explore neighbouring chords to unlock new progressions. The chords below share notes, keys or functions with C Major and are a natural next step in your practice.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C Major chord?

The C Major chord contains C, E and G.

Is the C Major chord major or minor?

C Major is a major chord. Major chords feel bright, stable, and resolved. They are built from a root, a major third and a perfect fifth, creating a happy, confident sound that is the backbone of popular music.

How do you play C Major on piano?

Place your fingers on C, E and G and play the notes together. On piano, the root is usually played with the little finger of the left hand and the upper notes with the right hand.

How do you play C Major on guitar?

C Major is typically played using the fingering shown in the interactive diagram above. You can also try an open position if one of the chord tones lines up with an open string.

What chords work well with C Major?

C Major pairs naturally with the chords listed in the related chords section. Chords a perfect fifth up or down, relative major or minor chords, and chords sharing two notes are all strong choices.

Keep exploring

Deepen your understanding of the C Major chord with our other music theory tools.

Browse all chords Try the Piano Open Circle of Fifths