Piano Chord LibraryFind C major on the keyboard
Find a group of two black keys. C is the white key immediately to its left. From C, count four semitones to E, then three more to G.
The formula is 1 · 3 · 5. From the root, the third is four semitones higher and the fifth is seven semitones higher. Count every adjacent key, black or white, as one semitone.
Three positions, one chord
Inversions keep C · E · G but change which note is lowest. Read each note list from low to high. These are close-position examples, with the lower notes moved up an octave.
Root position
C · E · G
C in the bassFirst inversion
E · G · C
E in the bassSecond inversion
G · C · E
G in the bassA two-minute practice
- Say C, E, G aloud while finding each key.
- Play root position, then first and second inversion slowly.
- Listen to the same position here. Check the bass note before repeating.
A useful connection
C minor lowers only the third: E becomes E♭. Keep C and G in place to hear how one note changes the chord.
Continue with the related reference or guide ↗
Does an inversion change the chord name?
No. The same three chord tones still make C major. The bass changes: E for first inversion and G for second inversion. A slash chord symbol can state that bass explicitly.
Which octave should I use?
The main diagram begins with the root in sounding octave 4. You can play the same note names in another comfortable register; changing every note by an octave preserves the chord. Inversion and register are separate choices.
Where are the finger numbers?
This reference shows notes and intervals. Hand size, register and musical context affect fingering, so it does not prescribe one. A teacher can help you choose a comfortable approach.
Theory reference: Open Music Theory on triads. Diagrams and explanations here are original.