C
C Major — the foundation triad — stable, bright, and the reference point every other chord colour is measured against.
The keys
C – E – G
What's inside C
| Note | Interval from root | Degree |
|---|---|---|
| C | Root | 1 |
| E | Major 3rd | 3 |
| G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
Inversions
| Position | Keys (low → high) |
|---|---|
| Root position | C4 – E4 – G4 |
| 1st inversion | E4 – G4 – C5 |
| 2nd inversion | G4 – C5 – E5 |
A working voicing
Split the chord between two hands the way working players do — a solid shell low down, the colour tones up top:
| Hand | Keys |
|---|---|
| Left (shell) | C2 – G2 |
| Right (colour) | E4 – G4 |
Where C lives
As the I chord
C → F → G → C
The classic I–IV–V–I motion with this chord as home.
In a ii–V–I
Dm7 → G7 → C
The strongest cadence in harmony, resolving onto this chord.
Put C under your fingers
Hear every voicing, see the keys light up, and drill it in the interactive Chord & Voicing Lab.
Open the Chord & Voicing Lab →