C
C Major
1 3 5
Notes in C
CR
E3
G5
The C chord contains 3 notes: C, E, G
Intervals
| Interval | Semitones | Note | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| R | 0 | C | Root |
| 3 | 4 | E | Major 3rd |
| 5 | 7 | G | Perfect 5th |
About C Major Chords
Major chords are built from the 1st, 3rd, and 5th degrees of the major scale. They produce a bright, happy, and resolved sound. Major chords are the foundation of Western harmony and appear in virtually every genre of music.
Compatible Scales & Modes
These scales contain all the notes of C and can be used for soloing, improvising, and writing melodies over this chord.
C Ionian (Major Scale)
The natural home of any major chord — all chord tones fall within this scale.
C Mixolydian
Works over major chords in a dominant context — common in blues, rock, and funk.
C Lydian
Adds a dreamy, floating quality — the ♯4 creates an uplifting tension over major chords.
C Major Pentatonic
The go-to for country, pop, and rock soloing over major chords. Five notes, zero wrong notes.