C major · 7 chords · ♮

Chords in the Key of C major

The key of C major contains the notes C – D – E – F – G – A – B. Its seven chords are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim.

The seven chords of C major

These are the triads built on each note of the C major scale. The numerals show where each chord sits in the key: capital letters are major chords, lowercase letters are minor.

Numeral	Chord	Notes	Function
I	C	C – E – G	Tonic
ii	Dm	D – F – A	Supertonic
iii	Em	E – G – B	Mediant
IV	F	F – A – C	Subdominant
V	G	G – B – D	Dominant
vi	Am	A – C – E	Submediant
vii°	Bdim	B – D – F	Leading tone

Seventh chords in C major

Adding the seventh gives a richer, more open sound. These are the seventh chords that fit C major.

Cmaj7 Dm7 Em7 Fmaj7 G7 Am7 Bm7b5

Key signature of C major

C major has no sharps or flats.

The relative minor of C major is A minor: it uses exactly the same notes and chords, but feels more serious.

How to use the chords of C major

Most songs in a major key start and end on the I chord and lean on the IV and V chords. Try I–IV–V first, then add the vi chord for a more emotional sound.

Chord progressions in C major

Popular progressions written out in C major:

I-V-vi-IV: C – G – Am – F
I-IV-V: C – F – G
12-Bar Blues: C7 – C7 – C7 – C7 – F7 – F7 – C7 – C7 – G7 – F7 – C7 – G7
I-vi-IV-V (50s progression): C – Am – F – G
vi-IV-I-V: Am – F – C – G
ii-V-I: Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7

Scales to play in C major

C Major Scale C Major Pentatonic Scale C Mixolydian Scale

FAQ

What chords are in the key of C major?

The chords in C major are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim, which are chords I – ii – iii – IV – V – vi – vii° of the key.

What is the relative minor of C major?

It is A minor. The two keys share exactly the same notes and chords.

How many sharps or flats are in C major?