Chords in the key of C major
The key of C major has the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B and the chords C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, and B°. As seventh chords: C7M, Dm7, Em7, F7M, G7, Am7, and Bm7(♭5). Key signature: no sharps or flats. Relative minor: A minor.
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- A
- B
Chords in C major
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | C | C7M | tonic |
| ii | Dm | Dm7 | subdominant |
| iii | Em | Em7 | tonic |
| IV | F | F7M | subdominant |
| V | G | G7 | dominant |
| vi | Am | Am7 | tonic |
| vii° | B° | Bm7(♭5) | dominant |
Each chord in the table opens its guitar page, with the diagram and the sound.
The chords of C major on the piano
What each chord does
Tonic (C, Em, and Am) feels at rest; subdominant (Dm and F) moves away from home; dominant (G and B°) builds tension and wants to go back to C.
Common progressions in C major
Listen to each one and open it in the backing track to play along.
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The pop progression
I–V–vi–IVThe most used sequence in pop and country: it works under almost any melody.
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50s progression
I–vi–IV–VThe "doo-wop": from 1950s ballads to today's romantic pop.
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Jazz IIm–V–I
ii7–V7–Imaj7The most important cadence in jazz and bossa nova.
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The three chords
I–IV–VI–IV–V: the foundation of rock, blues, country and folk.
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Sentimental pop
vi–IV–I–VThe pop progression starting on the relative minor: emotional, chorus-ready.
Relative and parallel keys
Relative minor: A minor. Both scales have the same notes and the same key signature (no sharps or flats).
Parallel key: C minor, with the same tonic and the other mode. Switching between them mid-song changes the mood without moving the home note.
Neighbours on the circle of fifths: F major (a fifth below) and G major (a fifth above). Modulating to them sounds natural.
Circle of fifths
C major is highlighted. Clockwise, each step goes up a fifth and adds a sharp; counter-clockwise, a flat. The relative minors are on the inside. Tap a key to see its chords.
Scales and tools for C major
Chords in other keys
Major keys
Minor keys
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of C major?
C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, and B°. As seventh chords: C7M, Dm7, Em7, F7M, G7, Am7, and Bm7(♭5).
What is the relative of C major?
A minor. Both scales have the same notes and the same key signature: no sharps or flats.
What is the key signature of C major?
C major has no sharps or flats in its key signature.
What is the dominant chord in C major?
It is G (or G7 with the seventh), the V chord. It builds tension and resolves to C, the tonic.
What chord progressions work in C major?
The most common: I–V–vi–IV: C G Am F; I–vi–IV–V: C Am F G; ii7–V7–Imaj7: Dm7 G7 C7M; I–IV–V: C F G; vi–IV–I–V: Am F C G.