C♯ Major Chord (C#, Db) on Piano
The C# chord (C# major) is built from 3 notes: C# – E# – G#. It is also written as Db.
Play these notes on a MIDI keyboard, your computer keyboard, or the on-screen keys and ChordKeys will name the chord back to you.
Notes and intervals
| Note | Degree | Interval from C# | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|
| C# | 1 | root | 0 |
| E# | 3 | major 3rd | 4 |
| G# | 5 | perfect 5th | 7 |
Inversions
Rearranging which note sits at the bottom gives you 3 playable voicings of the same chord. Inversions let you move between chords with less hand movement.
| Voicing | Notes | Bass note |
|---|---|---|
| Root position | C# – E# – G# | C# in the bass |
| 1st inversion | E# – G# – C# | E# in the bass |
| 2nd inversion | G# – C# – E# | G# in the bass |
How the major chord is built
Every major chord uses the same interval formula: 1 (0 semitones), 3 (4 semitones), 5 (7 semitones). Starting on C# and applying that formula produces C#, E#, G#. Learn the formula once and you can build a major chord on any of the twelve roots.
Keys that contain C#
Every note of C# belongs to these keys, so it will sit naturally in a progression written in any of them.
Other chords on C#
Major chords on other roots
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in a C# chord?
A C# chord contains the notes C#, E#, G#. Those are the 1, 3, 5 degrees measured from the root note C#.
How do you play C# on piano?
Place your thumb on C#, then add E# and G# above it. With a right hand in root position the common fingering is 1–3–5.
Is C# the same as Db?
Yes. C# and Db are enharmonic equivalents — they sound identical and use the same piano keys. Which spelling you use depends on the key you are playing in.