Piano · Level 1 · First steps

Your first three major chords on Piano

I–IV–V–I in all 12 keys.

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THE SHORT ANSWER

Three major chords — built on the first, fourth and fifth notes of the key — are enough to accompany a huge number of songs. Learn each shape slowly, then move between them in time.

Choose a key

C majorC · F · G · CD♭ majorD♭ · G♭ · A♭ · D♭D majorD · G · A · DE♭ majorE♭ · A♭ · B♭ · E♭E majorE · A · B · EF majorF · B♭ · C · FF♯ majorF♯ · B · C♯ · F♯G majorG · C · D · GA♭ majorA♭ · D♭ · E♭ · A♭A majorA · D · E · AB♭ majorB♭ · E♭ · F · B♭B majorB · E · F♯ · B

Listen first: C major

C

C major

Notes: C · E · G

Left hand: C2

F

F major

Notes: F · A · C

Left hand: F2

G

G major

Notes: G · B · D

Left hand: G2
1
C
2
F
3
G
4
C

Why it works

I, IV and V are the three major chords that occur naturally in a major key. V leads strongly back to I, which is why the progression feels finished.

On another instrument

Your first three major chords on Guitar →Your first three major chords on Ukulele →Your first three major chords on Mandolin →Your first three major chords on Banjo →Your first three major chords on Violin →Your first three major chords on Flute →

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