The key of C major has no sharps or flats. The notes of the scale are C, D, E, F, G, A, B and its diatonic chords are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B°.
C major scale
C major scale: C · D · E · F · G · A · B · C
Step: C W D W E H F W G W A W B H C
The chords (triads)
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | C tonic | C E G | |
| ii | Dm subdominant | D F A | |
| iii | Em tonic | E G B | |
| IV | F subdominant | F A C | |
| V | G dominant | G B D | |
| vi | Am tonic | A C E | |
| vii° | B° dominant | B D F |
Seventh chords
| Degree | Symbol | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | C7M | C E G B | |
| ii | Dm7 | D F A C | |
| iii | Em7 | E G B D | |
| IV | F7M | F A C E | |
| V | G7 | G B D F | |
| vi | Am7 | A C E G | |
| viiø | Bm7(b5) | B D F A |
Common progressions in C major
- C – G – Am – F (I – V – vi – IV)
- C – Am – F – G (I – vi – IV – V)
- Dm – G – C (ii – V – I)
- C – F – G – C (I – IV – V – I)
Relative key
The relative minor of C major is A minor: same notes and chords, starting from A.
Chords in other keys
Major keys: C major · G major · D major · A major · E major · B major · F♯ major · G♭ major · D♭ major · A♭ major · E♭ major · B♭ major · F major
Minor keys: A minor · E minor · B minor · F♯ minor · C♯ minor · G♯ minor · E♭ minor · B♭ minor · F minor · C minor · G minor · D minor
Learn how it works in diatonic chords: the complete guide and practice the scales in the app with your microphone.
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of C major?
C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, B°. With sevenths: C7M, Dm7, Em7, F7M, G7, Am7, Bm7(b5).
How many sharps or flats does C major have?
The key of C major has no sharps or flats.
What is the relative minor of C major?
A minor, which uses the same notes.