C major chord (C)
The C major chord (C) is a major triad made of C, E and G: root, major third and perfect fifth.
It is the I in C major and the IV in G major; its relative minor is A minor, and G dominant seventh leads into it as its V7.
Below: voicings, notes on the fretboard, ukulele, piano, inversions and progressions.
How to play C major on guitar
There are 3 guitar voicings.
Frets from the 6th string to the 1st: x = not played, 0 = open string.
- Voicing 1: x-3-2-0-1-0, open position, with C in the bass (fingers x-3-2-0-1-0).
- Voicing 2: x-3-5-5-5-3, barre at fret 3, with C in the bass (fingers x-1-3-3-3-1).
- Voicing 3: 8-10-10-9-8-8, barre at fret 8, with C in the bass (fingers 1-3-4-2-1-1).
Notes of the C major chord on the fretboard
C major has 3 notes: C, E and G. This is where they fall on each string, from the nut to the 12th fret (fret number in parentheses):
- String 6 (E): E (0) · G (3) · C (8) · E (12)
- String 5 (A): C (3) · E (7) · G (10)
- String 4 (D): E (2) · G (5) · C (10)
- String 3 (G): G (0) · C (5) · E (9) · G (12)
- String 2 (B): C (1) · E (5) · G (8)
- String 1 (E): E (0) · G (3) · C (8) · E (12)
Formula and intervals of C major
Its formula is 1-3-5; in semitones from the root, 0-4-7.
- C: Root, the note that gives the chord its name
- E: Major third (M3), 4 semitones above C
- G: Perfect fifth (P5), 7 semitones above C
C major on ukulele
- Ukulele (G C E A): 0-0-0-3; it sounds G, C, E and C.
C major on piano
- Keys: C4, E4 and G4.
Inversions of C major
Each inversion puts a different note in the bass.
- Root position: C, E and G, with C in the bass.
- First inversion (C/E): E, G and C, with E in the bass.
- Second inversion (C/G): G, C and E, with G in the bass.
Keys that use C major
C major appears in 7 major and minor keys.
| Key | Degree | Function |
|---|---|---|
| C major (no sharps or flats) | I | Tonic |
| G major (1 sharp) | IV | Subdominant |
| F major (1 flat) | V | Dominant |
| A minor (no sharps or flats) | III | Mediant |
| E minor (1 sharp) | VI | Submediant |
| D minor (1 flat) | VII | Subtonic |
| F minor (harmonic minor, 4 flats) | V | Dominant |
Progressions with C major
- Pop progression in C major (I–V–vi–IV): C – G – Am – F
- Pop progression starting on vi in C major (vi–IV–I–V): Am – F – C – G
- Three-chord progression in C major (I–IV–V): C – F – G
- Turnaround in C major (I–vi–ii–V): C – Am – Dm – G
- Minor pop progression in E minor (i–VI–III–VII): Em – C – G – D
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C major chord?
C, E and G: root, major third and perfect fifth. Its formula is 1-3-5.
Which keys use C major?
Mainly as the I in C major and the IV in G major. In total it appears in 7 major and minor keys.
What is the relative minor of C major?
A minor. C major and A minor are the tonic chords of two relative keys, which share the same key signature and the same scale notes.