Chords
C
The first chord — the pure major triad.
C E G · 1 3 5
C1
E3
G5
C major is the first chord most players ever learn — three notes, bright and resolved, the foundation everything else is built on.
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Every voicing on the neck
The idea
Three notes, fully resolved
C major is C E G — root, major 3rd and perfect 5th. The major 3rd (E) is what makes it sound bright and happy rather than dark.
- Notes: R 3 5 = C E G.
- The major 3 (E) gives it the happy, bright quality.
- Just three notes — the simplest complete chord.
Where it lives
The tonic of C major
C is the I chord — home base — in the key of C major. Nearly every beginner progression (C–G–Am–F) starts and ends here.
- Use it as the I (home) chord in C major.
- C–G–Am–F is the classic pop progression.
- Add a 7th (B) and it becomes the warmer Cmaj7.
Three notes, maximum resolution — the major triad is the chord every other chord is a variation on.
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