Key of C - The C Major Scale

Notes in the C Major Scale:

CDEFGAB

The key of C contains 7 notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B.This major key has a bright, uplifting sound and is one of the most common keys in popular music.

Chords in the Key of C

I
I
C major
ii
ii
D minor
iii
iii
E minor
IV
IV
F major
V
V
G major
vi
vi
A minor
vii°
vii°
B diminished

Common Chord Progressions

I - V - vi - IV
Pop progression
I
C major
→
V
G major
→
vi
A minor
→
IV
F major
I - IV - V
Classic rock
I
C major
→
IV
F major
→
V
G major
I - vi - IV - V
50s progression
I
C major
→
vi
A minor
→
IV
F major
→
V
G major
ii - V - I
Jazz cadence
ii
D minor
→
V
G major
→
I
C major
C Major Scale Pattern

The C Major scale follows the pattern of W-W-H-W-W-W-H (whole and half steps).

Scale formula: C - D - E - F - G - A - B

Key signature: No sharps or flats

Understanding the Key of C

Scale Degrees

Each chord in the key is built on a scale degree. Roman numerals show the chord's position in the scale. Uppercase = major chords, lowercase = minor chords.

Tonic Chord

The I chord (C major) is the tonic - the "home" chord that provides resolution and stability.

Dominant Chord

The V chord (G major) creates tension that naturally wants to resolve back to the tonic.