C Chord on Piano (C Major Chord)

The C chord is one of the first chords everyone learns on piano. This is a major chord and also known as C major chord.

Here you'll find a C chord diagram, learn the fingering, notes, inversions and some basic theory for the C major chord. You can also find out what C/E and C/G means.

The C Chord

If you see a C chord, it means to play the notes C, E and G.

You can play the C, E and G in any order, in any hand. Generally, C needs to be the lowest note you play - like in your left hand.

C/E

If you see C/E, the E is referring to the bass note.

On the piano, this would usually mean to play E in the left hand as the lowest note. C and G would come above.

C/G

If you see C/G, the G is referring to the bass note.

On the piano, this would usually mean to play G in the left hand as the lowest note. C and E would come above.

Where The C Chord Comes From

The C chord or C major chord comes from the C major scale.

A major chord is the 1st, 3rd and 5th notes of the major scale which is why this chord has the notes C, E and G.

Which Fingers Do You Use?

For any major chord in the root position (with C at the bottom in this case), you can use your thumb, middle finger and pinkie. In piano, these are finger numbers 1, 3 and 5.

C Chord Inversions

You can play the C chord on the piano in different positions. There are 2 other standard positions and we call these inversions.

Basically, it means taking a note from the bottom of the chord and playing it on the top.

Root position: C E G

First inversion: E G C (Fingers 1 2 5)

Second inversion: G C E

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