C major chord on piano
C is a major chord built on C. It uses the notes C - E - G and sounds bright, stable and resolved.
- Notes
- C E G
- Formula
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Right hand fingering
- 1 - 3 - 5
- Left hand fingering
- 5 - 3 - 1
- Chord symbol
- C
How to play C step by step
- Find C. C is the white key just left of each group of two black keys.
- Add E, 4 half steps above C.
- Add G, 7 half steps above C.
- Press all 3 keys together with fingers 1 - 3 - 5 of your right hand. Keep your wrist level and let the weight of your arm do the work.
C inversions
An inversion uses the same notes in a different order. Inversions let your hand move less between chords, which is how pianists make chord changes sound smooth.
Which keys use the C chord?
Knowing where a chord lives helps you guess the next chord in a song. C appears naturally in these keys:
Songs that use C
Practice C inside real music. These tutorials use it in the left-hand accompaniment:
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (very easy, C major)
- Mary Had a Little Lamb (very easy, C major)
- Ode to Joy (very easy, C major)
- Happy Birthday (easy, C major)
- Jingle Bells (easy, C major)
- When the Saints Go Marching In (very easy, C major)
- Amazing Grace (easy, C major)
- Row Row Row Your Boat (very easy, C major)
- Hot Cross Buns (very easy, C major)
- London Bridge Is Falling Down (very easy, C major)
- Frère Jacques (very easy, C major)
- Silent Night (easy, C major)
- We Wish You a Merry Christmas (easy, C major)
- Minuet in G (easy-intermediate, G major)
- The Entertainer (intermediate, C major)
- Prelude in C Major (easy-intermediate, C major)
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C major chord?
The C major chord (C) contains 3 notes: C, E, G. Its formula is 1 - 3 - 5.
How do you play C on piano?
Put your right-hand thumb on C and play C, E, G together using fingers 1 - 3 - 5. With the left hand, use fingers 5 - 3 - 1.