How do you play the C major/C# chord?

To play the C major/C# chord on piano, play the C major chord (C, E and G) with C# as the lowest bass note. Place the C# note below the other chord tones. Slash chords specify a particular bass note different from the chord root.

What is a slash chord?

A slash chord (or compound chord) is written as Chord/Bass and specifies both a chord and a bass note. The note to the right of the slash is played as the lowest note. The C major/C# chord means a C major chord with C# in the bass.

C major/C#

Q: What notes are in the C major/C# chord?

The C major/C# chord uses the 3 notes of the C major chord — C (Perfect unison), E (Major third) and G (Perfect fifth) — with C# played as the bass note in the lowest register.

The C major chord consists of the C (Perfect unison), E (Major third) and G (Perfect fifth) notes, with C# as the bass note.

Piano keyboard showing the notes for a C major/C# chord

How to play the C major/C# chord

Play C# as the lowest bass note in the left hand
Find C (Root) on the piano keyboard
Add E (Major third) — 4 semitones above C
Add G (Perfect fifth) — 7 semitones above C
Press all 4 notes simultaneously to sound the C major/C# chord

Inversions with same root

C# m(maj7)(b5)

Related chords with different root

C addb9

Related slash chords

E m(#5)/C#