So even if you would specify, that you want the root of the chord to start on C4 and later on C5, there would be people who still play both chords an octave lower than you intended. So if you would like them to play it exactly as you want it, there's basically no other way than notating it within a staff.
How do you notate in octaves?
In scientific pitch notation, a specific octave is indicated by a numerical subscript number after note name. In this notation, middle C is C4, because of the note's position as the fourth C key on a standard 88-key piano keyboard, while the C an octave higher is C5.
How do you notate an octave lower?
To indicate that multiple notes, a phrase or a section of music is to be played one octave lower, the 8va or 8vb sign is written below the first note. Again, we add "dashes" from the 8va/8vb sign until the end of the music that is to be played lower. When writing Octave Higher or Lower Signs, proper pitch is important!
Do chords have octaves?
Octave chords are a two-note chord. this chord is made up of two notes that are the same, just an octave apart. So for instance, if you were playing a C octave chord, the notes would both be C. ... The two notes will always be the same.