Skip to content
Chord & Fret

C — major

Notes in C: C – E – GFormula: 1 – 3 – 5

In the formula, the numbers count steps of the major scale starting from the note that names the chord; "b" lowers a half step, "#" raises one — and a slash names the bass note.

The major triad stacks the root, major third and perfect fifth. It is the most stable and clear sound in tonal music — the point of rest from which almost everything else is heard.

The same chord on all four instruments

C, x 3 2 0 1 0C321×CEGCE
Guitar
C, x 3 2 0 1 0C321×CEGCE
Electric guitar
C, 2 0 1 2C213EGCE
Cavaquinho
C, 0 0 0 3C1GCEC
Ukulele

Where to use it: Tonic, subdominant or dominant depending on the scale degree; the foundation of most repertoire.

See C voicings on the fretboard →See C voicings on the fretboard →See C voicings on the fretboard →See C voicings on the fretboard →

Every region of the neck hides more shapes of C. In Chord & Fret, you check it note by note, playing any shape as an arpeggio; compare positions with their difficulty marked; and change the tuning — the shape rewrites itself. Start free. Unlock everything with Pro. Plays offline.

See the whole neck in Chord & Fret →

Part of the Triads family.

Other chords in this family

CmCmCmCmCdimCaugC(b5)C5

See all chord types and qualities →