C MAJOR - PIANO

C Major chord diagram for Piano - Bass position 999

Chord composition

I III V
Root Major third Perfect fifth
C E G

ALL ABOUT THE C MAJOR CHORD

Chord Composition

The C Major chord is composed of 3 notes :

  • C (Root)
  • E (Major third)
  • G (Perfect fifth)

These notes form a major triad, characterized by its bright and stable sound.

How to play C Major on piano

On piano, the C Major chord is played by positioning your fingers on the keys corresponding to the notes C, E, G.

  • Right hand - Root position: use standard fingering with thumb on the root. This basic position is essential for all pianists.
  • Inversions: allow smooth transitions between chords. Practice the 1st inversion (third in bass) and 2nd inversion (fifth in bass) to enrich your progressions.
  • Left hand - Accompaniment: often played in root position for accompaniment, or in broken octaves for a more dynamic effect.
  • Jazz voicings: jazz pianists use rootless voicings for a more sophisticated sound, letting the bass play the root.

Piano tips

To master the C Major chord on keyboard:

  • Hand posture: keep fingers curved and wrists supple, never stiff
  • Uniform pressure: ensure all notes sound with equal intensity
  • Sustain pedal: use it to enrich the sound and create legato progressions
  • Practice inversions: they are essential for smooth transitions
  • Hand independence: work each hand separately before combining them

Popular chord progressions with C Major

The C Major chord naturally integrates into several common progressions:

  • I-IV-V progression: the basis of blues and classic rock
  • I-V-vi-IV progression: omnipresent in modern pop
  • Perfect cadence (V-I): fundamental harmonic resolution

Piano styles

Classical: use inversions to create smooth voices and avoid leaps.

Jazz: enrich with extensions (9th, 13th) for more sophistication.

Pop: combine left hand in octaves and right hand in full chords.

Famous Songs Using C Major

This chord appears in many well-known pieces :

  • Let It Be - The Beatles
  • Wonderwall - Oasis
  • No Woman No Cry - Bob Marley
  • Hey Soul Sister - Train
  • Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen

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