C Major Chord

How to play C on guitar

Read the diagrams with the low E string on the left. × means do not play that string, ○ means play it open.

How to play C on piano

Play C, E, G together. With your right hand, use fingers 1, 3 and 5 (thumb on C). Your left hand can play C an octave lower for a fuller sound.

Chords in the key of C major

These seven chords are built from the C major scale (C, D, E, F, G, A, B), so they all sound at home next to C.

Common progressions in C major

• I - V - vi - IV: C - G - Am - F
• I - IV - V - I: C - F - G - C
• ii - V - I: Dm - G - C
• vi - IV - I - V: Am - F - C - G

The relative minor of C major is Am. Both keys use the same notes. On the Camelot wheel, C major is 8B.

Related chords

• Cm (C minor)
• C7 (C seventh)
• Cmaj7 (C major seventh)
• Cm7 (C minor seventh)
• Csus4 (C suspended fourth)
• All chords in the library

Change this chord into another key with the Chord Transposer, or look up any other chord or scale in the Chord and Scale Finder.