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:
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!
You May Also Like: