The C major chord (C) is made of the notes C, E and G. It is built from the root C with a major third and a perfect fifth.
The major chord is the most common one: a stable, bright sound found in almost every pop, rock and folk song.
C major
Notes: C – E – G
Guitar — positions on the neck
Piano — root position and inversions
Fingerings and positions
On guitar, this chord can be played in 6 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x32010. On piano, the right hand plays 3 notes, in root position or in an inversion.
Notes and intervals
Note
Interval
C
root
E
major third
G
perfect fifth
In which keys? The C major chord is the I of C major, the V of F major, the IV of G major, the VII of D minor, the VI of E minor and the III of A minor.
The notes of the C major chord (C) are C, E and G.
How do you play the C major chord on guitar?
On guitar, this chord can be played in 6 ways along the neck. The lowest shape is an open chord (no barre), easier for beginners. Example fingering (from the low E string to the high E string, x = muted string): x32010.
How is the C major chord built?
The C major chord (C) is made of the notes C, E and G. It is built from the root C with a major third and a perfect fifth.