Note identifier · Reference entry
What chord is C–E–G?
Ranked readings
Every chord these notes can spell, most complete first. The bass note anchors the root-position reading; each candidate maps every note to its scale degree.
Every tone of C is present, with C in the bass — the definitive reading.
| Degree | Note | In this set |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | sounding |
| 3 | E | sounding |
| 5 | G | sounding |
4th, ♭7, and 9th of D9sus4 sound; it reads as D9sus4 with the D (1) and A (5) omitted.
| Degree | Note | In this set |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | omitted |
| 4 | G | sounding |
| 5 | A | omitted |
| ♭7 | C | sounding |
| 9 | E | sounding |
Not these chords
Names these notes are often mistaken for. Each is ruled out because a defining tone of that chord is missing — the note that would make the name true simply is not being played.
Not Em7♯5: a minor 7♯5 E chord needs D as its ♭7 — D is absent.
Not G13sus4: a dominant 13th sus4 G chord needs F as its ♭7 — F is absent.
How these notes relate
C, E, and G is a voicing of D9sus4 with the D (root) and A (5th) left out.
Add D (its ♭7) and the set reads as Em7♯5.
Set-class analysis
The pitch-class set theory identity of these notes — order- and key-independent, computed from the set itself.
- Pitch-class set
- {0, 4, 7}
- Normal order
- [0,4,7]
- Prime form
- [0,3,7]
- Interval vector
- <001110>
- Forte set class
- 3-11
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