To play the C major piano chord, begin by locating the note C which is just to the left of the group of two black keys. Once you’ve found it, combine C with E and G to create the C major chord.
C major notes
The C major chord is made of three notes: C, E and G.
These notes are called the root (C), third (E) and fifth (G). Together, they create a bright and happy sound.
To play this chord in its root position (basic form) with your right hand, use these fingers:
- G – Fifth finger (5)
- E – Third finger (3)
- C – Thumb (1)
For the left hand, use the following fingers:
- G – Thumb (1)
- E – Third finger (3)
- C – Fifth finger (5)
The inversions of C major chord
The inversions of the C major piano chord are formed by rearranging the order in which the notes are played. Chord inversions allow you to play the same chord with a different sound and control how you emphasize each note of the chord.
The C major chord has two inversions:
- C major first inversion places the C at the top of the chord, leaving the E as the lowest note.
- C major second inversion of C major places both the C and E at the top, leaving the G as the lowest note.
Let’s break down these inversions further and discover how to play them on the piano.
How to play the first inversion of C major?
To play the first inversion of the C major piano chord, start with E as the lowest note. Next, play G above it and finally, add C as the highest note. This gives the chord a fresh sound, great for smooth transitions between chords.
For the right hand, use these fingers:
- E – Thumb (1)
- G – Middle finger (3)
- C – Fifth finger (5)
For the left hand, use these fingers:
- E – Fifth finger (5)
- G – Third finger (3)
- C – Thumb (1)
How to play the second inversion of C major?
To play the second inversion of the C major piano chord, start with G as the lowest note. Then, play C above it and finally add E as the highest note. This inversion gives the chord a new texture and is perfect for smooth chord transitions.
For the right hand, use these fingers:
- G – Thumb (1)
- C – Middle finger (3)
- E – Fifth finger (5)
For the left hand, use these fingers:
- G – Fifth finger (5)
- C – Third finger (3)
- E – Thumb (1)
C major chord progression
The C major chord progression is widely used in various genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical music. A C major chord progression often includes chords like C, F, G and Am. Here are some popular C major chord progressions:
- C – Am – F – G
- C – G – Am – F
- C – G – F – Dm
- C – Am – G – B
These progressions highlight the versatility of the C major chord progression, offering a range of moods from somber to uplifting. They are a great way to put your knowledge of piano chords to the test. To understand these chord symbols and how to play them, check out Skoove’s tailor-made beginner chord progression courses.
Piano chords generator
💡 If you are reading this from a mobile device, rotate it to display the tool in full width.
1. Click on “Chords”
2. Choose the “Root” of the chord
3. Choose the “Chord qualities” (major, minor, etc.)
4. Click “Display”
Popular songs to play with the C major chord
Silent Night – Franz Xaver Gruber
A great way to start enhancing your performance skills is by playing in front of your family and friends. Learning Christmas songs will give you a chance to do so. This song will teach you how to play C major chord arpeggios, as accompaniment to the main melody.
Post Malone – Better Now
Carl Cerny – Cerny op. 599 No.1
Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada
With over seven years of piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. Susana’s writings for Skoove combine her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.
Published by Lydia Ogn from the Skoove team
