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Musical key

Key of C Major

C Major is a major key with no sharps or flats. Its scale is C – D – E – F – G – A – B, and its relative minor is A Minor.

Key signature

No sharps or flats.

C Major scale: C – D – E – F – G – A – B

Relative and parallel keys

Relative minor: A Minor — same key signature, different home note.

Parallel key: C Minor — same home note, different key signature.

Chords in C Major

Every major key has the same pattern: major chords on I, IV and V, minor chords on ii, iii and vi, and a diminished chord on vii°.

DegreeTriadsNotes7th chords
ICC E GImaj7Cmaj7
iiDmD F Aii7Dm7
iiiEmE G Biii7Em7
IVFF A CIVmaj7Fmaj7
VGG B DV7G7
viAmA C Evi7Am7
vii°BdimB D Fviiø7Bm7♭5

Common chord progressions in C Major

Click a chord to see it, or press play to hear the progression.

  • Pop progression

    I – V – vi – IV

    1. C
    2. G
    3. Am
    4. F

    The four chords behind countless pop hits.

  • Three-chord classic

    Vibe: Exciting

    I – IV – V – I

    1. C
    2. F
    3. G
    4. C

    Tonic, subdominant, dominant — the backbone of rock 'n' roll, folk and blues.

  • 50s progression

    Vibe: Nostalgic

    I – vi – IV – V

    1. C
    2. Am
    3. F
    4. G

    The doo-wop and ballad loop — warm and nostalgic.

  • Emotional pop

    Vibe: Sad

    vi – IV – I – V

    1. Am
    2. F
    3. C
    4. G

    The pop progression started on vi for a more wistful feel.

  • Jazz ii–V–I

    Vibe: Romantic

    ii7 – V7 – Imaj7

    1. Dm7
    2. G7
    3. Cmaj7

    The most important cadence in jazz.

  • Romantic 7ths

    Vibe: Romantic

    Imaj7 – vi7 – IVmaj7 – V7

    1. Cmaj7
    2. Am7
    3. Fmaj7
    4. G7

    Smooth seventh chords for ballads and late-night jazz.

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