C on piano: root position and inversions
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Root position C – E – G -
1st inversion E – G – C -
2nd inversion G – C – E
How to play C on piano
- C is the white key just left of a group of two black keys. That is the root.
- Add E (major 3rd above) and G (perfect 5th above): press C, E and G together.
- Right hand: thumb (1) on C, middle finger (3) on E, little finger (5) on G. Left hand: little finger (5), middle finger (3), thumb (1).
- For a smoother change between chords, try an inversion (the same notes with a different one at the bottom), shown above.
Finger numbers: 1 thumb to 5 little finger. Fingering varies with hand size; these are common defaults.
C notes and intervals
| Note | Formula | Interval from the root |
|---|---|---|
| C | 1 | root |
| E | 3 | major 3rd |
| G | 5 | perfect 5th |
Inversions: the same notes with another one in the bass, written as slash chords: C/E (1st inversion) and C/G (2nd inversion).
C on guitar and ukulele
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C guitar chord x32010 -
C on ukulele 0003
Which keys use C?
C is one of the basic chords of 6 keys. Its number (Roman numeral) and job change with the key:
| Key | Written | Numeral | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| C major | C | I | tonic |
| A minor | C | III | tonic |
| F major | C | V | dominant |
| G major | C | IV | predominant |
| D minor | C | VII | dominant |
| E minor | C | VI | tonic or predominant |
| F minor | C | V | dominant (harmonic minor) |
Progressions with C
- I–IV–V–I in C major: C – F – G – C The basic cadence: tonic, predominant, dominant, tonic.
- I–V–vi–IV in C major: C – G – Am – F The four-chord pop progression (also called the Axis progression).
- vi–IV–I–V in C major: Am – F – C – G The same four chords, starting on the minor vi.
- I–vi–IV–V in C major: C – Am – F – G The '50s or doo-wop progression.
- I–IV–vi–V in C major: C – F – Am – G The four chords of I–V–vi–IV in another order.