Major chord

A major chord is composed using a root/1^st, major 3^rd and perfect 5^th (or R/1-3-5) intervals played simultaneously. Generally written as the root note (for instance: "C" for a C major chord) it is sometimes written with various additions like Cma or CMA, however it is good practice to use the root note to represent it in writing ie. C

In guitar, the intervals of a major chord may not always be played in tonal order (root/1^st, major 3^rd, perfect 5^th, in this order) however the root note will always be the lowest tone (and most distinct) unless it is an inversion. For example: a C major chord played on the 8^th fret using voicing #4 (barre chord) has a interval sequence of: root/1^st, perfect 5^th, root 1^st(octave), major 3^rd, perfect 5^th and root/1^st(x2 octave) or R/1-5-1-3-5-1.

The tonality of a major chord is consonant and resolved, in other words it does not "lead away" from itself like the dominant seventh chord, or leave the listener with a sense of "suspense" like the minor seventh flat five chord.

Major chord profile

Chord shapes/voicings

• Major chord shapes
• Help
• Guitar neck notes
• Octave chart

Major chord table

Chord name	Root	Major third	Perfect fifth
C	C	E	G
C♯	C♯	E♯ (F)	G♯
D♭	D♭	F	A♭
D	D	F♯	A
D♯	D♯	F (G)	A♯
E♭	E♭	G	B♭
E	E	G♯	B
F	F	A	C
F♯	F♯	A♯	C♯
G♭	G♭	B♭	D♭
G	G	B	D
G♯	G♯	B♯ (C)	D♯
A♭	A♭	C	E♭
A	A	C♯	E
A♯	A♯	C (D)	E♯ (F)
B♭	B♭	D	F
B	B	D♯	F♯

Audio sample(s)