C

C is the c major chord, spelled C – E – G. the foundation triad — stable, bright, and the reference point every other chord colour is measured against.

The keys
C4C5C6
C – E – G
Practise this chord

Plug in your MIDI keyboard and let Coach Tshepho drill you on C — it plays the chord, names any wrong notes as you play, and moves you on when you nail it.

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What's inside C
NoteInterval from rootDegree
CRoot1
EMajor 3rd3
GPerfect 5th5
Inversions
PositionKeys (low → high)
Root positionC4 – E4 – G4
1st inversionE4 – G4 – C5
2nd inversionG4 – 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:

HandKeys
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 →
Worship songs that use C
Ewe Getsemane · SbuNoah Lona Baratang Ho Phela · Lebo Sekgobela Thato Ya Hao · Lebo Sekgobela You Are Here · Dr Tumi Imiqhele · Tshwane Gospel Choir ft Virginia Mukwevho Haleluyah Mdumiseni · Lebo Sekgobela Wanga Morena · Joyous Celebration Bina Moya Waka · Spirit Of Praise 9 ft Mmatema Ga O Palelwe · Mmuso Worship Thath’Indawo · Spirit Of Praise 8 ft Mpumi Mtsweni Kgoši Ya Rena · Mmatema Moremi
Take it further
Build a progression with it → Reharmonize it →
More C chords
Cm Cdim Caug Csus2 Csus4 C6 Cm6 C7 Cmaj7 Cm7 Cm7♭5 Cdim7 Cm(maj7) C9 Cmaj9 Cm9 Cadd9 C6/9 Cm11 C13 C7♭9 C7♯9 C7♯5
Major in every key
C♯ D E♭ E F F♯ G A♭ A B♭ B
Play it over a groove
Free worship grooves & loops →