About the C chord
C is a C major chord built from C, E, G. Bright and stable: the foundation of most songs. Open, happy, and resolved.
Root
C
Quality
Major
Chord tones
C E G
Shapes
3 · beginner
Notes & intervals
Every major chord stacks the same intervals on its root. In C, that gives you:
C
root1
Home base. The root names the chord, and every other note is measured from it.
E
major third3
The major third is the smile in the chord: this note makes it sound happy.
G
perfect fifth5
The fifth adds weight and strength behind the root.
C appears naturally in the keys of C major, F major, G major.
Used in genres
Major chords show up all over the progression catalog, most of all in these styles:
Character & mood
BrightBright and stable: the foundation of most songs. Open, happy, and resolved.