How to Play C Major and Minor on the Piano

Two or more notes combine to make a piano chord. The C major chord is one of the most commonly used and often considered the easiest because it has no sharps or flats. It just uses the white keys. Therefore, beginners usually start with this.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find the middle C. It is the white key in the middle of the keyboard on the left side of the two black keys.

2. Remember that the notes of the C major scale are C, D, E, F, G, A, B and G. Play the first, third and fifth notes of the scale. This will be the C, E and G notes.

3. Play the notes with your thumb, middle finger and pinkie. This will enable you to reach all the notes within the scale easier.

4. Lower the third note of the major chord one-half step to make a minor chord. Therefore, the C minor chord will be the C, E-flat and G notes. This means that there will be one black key (the E-flat) in the C minor chord.

5. Practice playing the C major scale with the C major chord. Do this with one hand first, then with both hands. Do the same with the C minor chord. Play the scales and chords until you are comfortable.

6. Continue practicing all along the keyboard. Continue until you can play the chords and scales smoothly and quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to match the C major chord with the C major scale and the C minor chord to the C minor scale. The C minor scale has the notes C, D, E-flat, F, G, Ab, B-flat and C.