Chords in the key of C
The key of C major has seven chords: C · Dm · Em · F · G · Am · Bdim. Tap any chord to hear it.
Keys lit: the C major scale. Tap a chord to light its notes.
The C major chord chart
| Degree | Triad | Notes | 7th chord | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | C | C E G | Cmaj7 (Imaj7) | Tonic: home |
| ii | Dm | D F A | Dm7 (ii7) | Pre-dominant |
| iii | Em | E G B | Em7 (iii7) | Tonic substitute |
| IV | F | F A C | Fmaj7 (IVmaj7) | Subdominant |
| V | G | G B D | G7 (V7) | Dominant: pulls home |
| vi | Am | A C E | Am7 (vi7) | Relative minor |
| vii° | Bdim | B D F | Bm7♭5 (viiø7) | Leading-tone chord |
Key of C at a glance
- Scale: C D E F G A B
- Key signature: no sharps or flats
- Major chords: C, F, G
- Minor chords: Dm, Em, Am
- Diminished: Bdim
- Relative minor: A minor
The pattern of chord qualities is the same in every major key: major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished. It comes from stacking every other note of the scale on each degree.
Common progressions in C
| Progression | Chords in C | Play |
|---|---|---|
| I–V–vi–IV (pop) | C – G – Am – F | |
| I–IV–V (rock and folk) | C – F – G – C | |
| I–vi–IV–V (50s) | C – Am – F – G | |
| ii–V–I (jazz) | Dm – G – C – C | |
| vi–IV–I–V (sensitive) | Am – F – C – G |
More ideas by mood: pop, sad and jazz chord progressions, or loop your own in the chord progression generator.
Other keys
Questions
What chords are in the key of C?
The key of C major has seven chords: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim. In Roman numerals that is I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi and vii°.
What are the I, IV and V chords in C?
C (I), F (IV) and G (V). These three major chords can harmonise most simple melodies in C major.
What is the relative minor of C major?
A minor. It uses the same notes and key signature (no sharps or flats), starting on the sixth degree, A.
What notes are in the C major scale?
C, D, E, F, G, A, B, then C again an octave higher.