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Major

Root, major third and perfect fifth. The reference chord: every other quality is heard as a departure from it.

Symbol M · CM Triad

Listen

Notes of the chord

1 C M3 E P5 G

C E G

Where you have heard it

Tônica e dominante of almost every tonal piece

Cadência final V – I

What it gets confused with

Minor Same root and same fifth. Only the third moves, one semitone down. Suspended fourth The third is replaced by a fourth — the chord loses its major or minor colour entirely.

Frequently asked

Which notes make a major chord?

Root, major third and perfect fifth — for example C, E and G.

What makes it sound major rather than minor?

The third. Four semitones above the root gives major; three gives minor. Nothing else changes.

Where does it turn up?

As the tonic and the dominant of almost every tonal piece, and as the last chord of most cadences.

There is an exercise track dedicated to recognising this by ear.