The C Chord in music is the same as the C major chord. This major chord is made up the notes C, E and G as seen below with the red dots on the piano keyboard. The first note C is referred to as the root note of the C chord.
C Chord on Music Staff
The next note in this chord is E which is a major third above the root note. The final note of the C piano chord is G which is a major fifth above the root note. These 3 notes in any major chord are referred to as the root, 3rd and 5th of any given chord.
C Major Triad in Music
The C chord and any other chord which has these 3 notes spaced the same distance apart is termed a major triad. The C piano chord illustrated below is also termed a C Major Triad. For example, the G major piano chord or triad would consist of G, B and D maintaining the same distances between the notes.
C Piano Chord
C Major Chord
The main aural characteristic about the C major chord is that is has a “happy” or “upbeat” chord quality sound to the ear. The C major chord and other major chords not described here would be used in a song or piece of music to make it sound lively and happy.
To play the C major chord on the piano place your right hand in the C hand position as shown below and simply press the C, E and G notes all at the same time to hear the full sound of the C major chord on piano.
C Hand Position on Piano
Related Chords
Find out which 5 chords in the key of C Major are most important here.
c minor chord: C, E-flat, G
c diminished chord: C, E-flat, G-flat
c augmented chord: C, E, G-sharp
c seventh chord: C, E, G, B-flat
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