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Learn › C Major Chord on Piano (C)

New Released in April 2026

C Major Chord on Piano (C)

To play C on the piano, press C, E and G together: root, major third and fifth. The shape to remember: all three notes are white keys, the same easy shape as C major. Below: keyboard, inversions, fingering and the chords of its key.

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C C E G

C inversions on the keyboard

Whichever note is lowest, it is still C.

C C E G

Root position: C E G

C E G C

1st inversion: E G C

C G C E

2nd inversion: G C E

Playing C with each hand

HandCEG
Right hand1 (thumb)3 (middle)5 (little)
Left hand5 (little)3 (middle)1 (thumb)

Put the thumb on C first, then let the hand fall on E and G without looking. Ten clean repetitions beat one long hold.

The chords of C major

These seven chords share their notes with C.

DegreeChordNotes
I C C E G
ii Dm D F A
iii Em E G B
IV F F A C
V G G B D
vi Am A C E
vii° Bdim B D F

Quick facts about C

Keyboard shape

All three notes are white keys, the same easy shape as c major.

Key signature

C is the home chord of C major: no sharps or flats.

Tension and release

G7 (G B D F) pulls straight into C.

Where C shows up

You will meet C in these major keys:

  • I in C major
  • IV in G major
  • V in F major

Relative minor: Am · Parallel minor: Cm

Many songs use this order from C (I - V - vi - IV): C → G → Am → F. Move between inversions so the hand barely moves.

ChordRunner showing a chord block while hands play the piano

Train C in a game

Knowing C on paper is step one. ChordRunner makes you find it fast, mixed with other chords. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

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All piano chords · Piano chord chart

Common questions

What are the notes of C?

C, E and G. Start on C, add the major third E, then the fifth G.

What fingers do I use for C?

Fingers 1, 3 and 5 in the right hand (thumb on C), and 5, 3, 1 in the left hand (little finger on C).

Is C a major or minor chord?

C is major: its third is E. Its relative minor partner is Am.

Your instrument is the controller.

ChordRunner is a browser game that teaches piano and guitar chords: a chord appears on screen, you play it on a real instrument, and your runner jumps. MIDI keyboard or microphone, both work.

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