Key

The key of C major · No sharps or flats

Major keys sound bright and settled. The I, IV and V chords do most of the work; the minor ii, iii and vi add color.

Relative minor: A minor — the same notes and key signature. Parallel minor: C minor. Scale: C major scale.

Notes in the key

CDEFGAB

Chords in C major

One chord on each note of the scale. Roman numerals show each chord’s position — uppercase for major, lowercase for minor.

Left-handed

I C

C E G

ii Dm

D F A

iii Em

E G B

IV F

F A C

V G

G B D

vi Am

A C E

vii° Bdim

B D F

Common progressions in C major

The pop progression I–V–vi–IV C – G – Am – F Three-chord rock I–IV–V–IV C – F – G – F The ’50s progression I–vi–IV–V C – Am – F – G The minor-feel pop progression vi–IV–I–V Am – F – C – G The 12-bar blues 12-bar blues C7 – F7 – G7 The jazz cadence ii–V–I Dm7 – G7 – Cmaj7 The turnaround I–vi–ii–V C – Am – Dm – G Pachelbel’s Canon I–V–vi–iii–IV–I–IV–V C – G – Am – Em – F – C – F – G The Mixolydian rock progression I–♭VII–IV–I C – B♭ – F – C

Circle of fifths

Each step clockwise adds a sharp (or removes a flat). Neighbors on the circle share all but one note, so C major’s closest keys are right next to it — and its relative minor sits on the inner ring. Click any key to open it.