C Major Chord

What is a C chord?

A major chord stacks the root, major third (4 semitones above the root) and perfect fifth (7 semitones). The major third is what gives the chord its bright, resolved quality — drop it a half step and you have a minor chord with a darker mood. Major chords are the harmonic anchor of most Western music: songs in major keys typically open and close on their tonic major chord, and the I-IV-V trio of major chords drives countless rock, country, folk and pop songs.

Where C fits in a key

C appears as the I in C major, V in F major, and IV in G major.

Common progressions with C

When to use a major chord

In the key of C major, C is the tonic (I) — the chord progressions here resolve home to. Use a major chord as the home base (I) of a major-key song, or as the destination of a V-I cadence. Major chords power the I-IV-V trinity (Twist and Shout, La Bamba, Wild Thing), the I-V-vi-IV pop progression (Let It Be, With or Without You, No Woman No Cry) and the IV chord in nearly every major-key song. They also brighten a minor-key passage when used on the relative major's degree.

Common substitutions for C

• •Major 7th — adds the 7th for a softer, jazzier color (great for ballads and verses)
• •Add9 — adds the 9th for sparkle without changing the chord function
• •Suspended 4 — replaces the 3rd with the 4th for tension that resolves back to major
• •6th — adds the 6th for a vintage pop or country brightness