Play C Major Chord Piano, Inversion And Notes

The C major chord on the piano is one of the triad or triplet formats. The three notes, c (the root), E (the major third), and G (the perfect fifth) make up the C major chord. To play this note, I always suggest my students see the group of black keys (two and three). 

Students can find the C major chord to the left side of every group of two black keys. Now, musicians need to play those 3 notes together on the piano if they want to play the C major chord. 

Below, I have given a detailed guide on how to play the C major chord on the piano and included the necessary tips for beginners.

How To Play C Major On The Piano

The C major chord is used in too many kinds of tunes and music. Therefore, when you begin to learn piano, you need to learn how to play the C major chord on it. The C major chord is the primary major key while playing the piano. Also, you can use the C major chord in multiple other keys. 

So, primarily, the C major chord is developed with three main notes. The notes include C (the root), E (the major third), and G (the perfect fifth). Now, based on the size of your hands, you can choose any of the below-given fingerings:

C Major Chord On The Piano
C Major Chord On The Piano

Here, each fingering mirrors the other. So, you can keep it in mind easily. 

Notes In A C Major Chord

There are three notes in the C major chord when you play it on the piano. They are C, E, and G.

  • Here, C works as the root of the triplet format. So, it is the foundation of the C major chord.
  • The note, E, here, is considered the third major. So, it gives the triplet the major quality.
  • At last, note G works as the perfect fifth in the triplet format. Therefore, you can say that it makes the triad more resonant and gives it a finishing look. 

You can duplicate every note in multiple octaves in the C major chord. When you became the master of this note, you will learn the twists and turns of each note.  

C Chord Piano Finger Positions

As the C major chord is designed with three main notes, you will need to position your fingers differently for your right and left hands. 

If you choose to play the C major chord with your right hand, you should go along with the below-mentioned finger positions:

G- 5th finger (5)

E- 3rd finger (3)

C- 1st finger (1)

Also, you will be able to play the C major chord on the piano with your left hand. For that, you should follow the below-mentioned finger positions:

G- 1st finger (1)

E- 3rd finger (3)

C- 5th finger (5)

You are free to use different fingers based on the music you are playing. 

What Are The Inversions Of The C Major?

Talking about the inversions of the C major chord, you can have two inversions of this chord. You can change the order of the notes and thus you will get those 2 different inversions.

Playing The 1st Inversion

E is considered the lowest note of the C major chord while you are playing the first inversion on the piano. Here is how you can play the first inversion of the C major chord.

C- 5th finger (5)

G- 2nd finger (2)

E- 1st finger (1)

Playing The 2nd Inversion

If you are playing the 2nd inversion of the C major chord on the piano, you need to consider G the lowest note of it. 

E- 5th finger (5)

C- 3rd finger (3)

G- 1st finger (1)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the chords in the key of C?

The chords in the key of C are

  • C minor = I
  • D minor = ii
  • E minor = iii
  • F major = IV
  • G major = V
  • A minor = VI
  • B diminished = vii

2. How can you play the C chord in the left hand?

Here are finger positions to play the C chord in the left hand-

G- 1st finger (1)

E- 3rd finger (3)

C- 5th finger (5)

3. Which finger do you use to play the C chord?

  • For the 2nd fret of the D string (4th): the index finger
  • 3rd fret of the A String (5th): middle finger
  • 3rd fret of the B string (2nd): ring finger

4. How do you know when to use an inversion?

Using any inversion is actually up to you. It’s your choice when to use an inversion while playing a note. You can develop intuition by taking a chord progression and trying multiple inversions for every chord. 

Ending Note

I hope that this article will help musicians a lot at their beginner levels. This is the simplest format I have discussed here to play the C major chord. All the best!

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