Find C on the keyboard
Find a group of two black keys. C is the white key immediately to their left. Follow the white keys upward: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, then C again.
Build a chord, one note at a time
A basic major chord uses three notes. Start with your right hand: play each note separately, then play all three together.
C major
C + E + G
F major
F + A + C
G major
G + B + D
Use the beginner chart below to find the notes on the keyboard.
Change chords at your own pace
Play one chord for four steady counts, then change. Repeat slowly until the change feels easier.
Try it in a song →Try C → F → C, then C → G → C. Start slowly. When you choose a song, look up any additional chords before playing through it.
Keep these handy
Your chord chart library
Choose a level to open the full chart. The original charts are here whenever you need them.
Beginner Piano ChordsView chart
The key of C major is the easiest to play on piano because it has no sharps or flats. On most pianos, this is only the white keys. Here are the seven basic chords for the key of C major. Practice the above chords and if you want to get tricky, then play different inversions of each chord. For example, instead of keeping the C-E-G order of a C major, play E-G-C or G-E-C (see below).
Intermediate Piano ChordsView chart
Any chord that includes a sharp or a flat ("the black keys") is intermediate. It is important to notice how the sharps repeat in groups of two and three so you can identify the correct note.
Advanced Piano ChordsView chart
Any chord that includes four notes is advanced. Many jazz chords include four or more notes.
