Chords in the Key of C major
The chords below are the ones that naturally belong to this key. Tap any chord to hear it and see it light up on the keyboard.
The C major scale — also called C Ionian — contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- A
- B
Its diatonic chords are I (C), ii (Dm), iii (Em), IV (F), V (G), vi (Am), and vii° (Bdim).
- I C
- ii Dm
- iii Em
- IV F
- V G
- vi Am
- vii° Bdim
The major scale — known in modal terms as Ionian — is the bright, resolved sound most Western melodies are built on. Its chords centre firmly on the tonic, giving music a settled, "home" feeling.