C Major Scale, Chords & Songs

The C Major scale

The C Major scale contains seven notes: C – D – E – F – G – A – B. Key signature: no sharps or flats.

All notes in the C Major scale highlighted on the keyboard.

Diatonic chords in C Major

These seven chords are built on each scale degree. They're the natural chord palette for songs in C Major — most pop progressions like I-V-vi-IV use only these.

Quick facts

Key signature

no sharps or flats

Relative minor

A minor

Difficulty on piano

Beginner — easiest key on piano (all white keys).

Songs in our catalog

Available in this key

Popular chord progressions in C Major

These famous progressions are built from the diatonic chords of C Major. Click any to learn the theory + see songs that use it.

• I–V–vi–IV ("Axis of Awesome")I – V – vi – IV
  CGAmF
• vi–IV–I–V (Sensitive Female Progression)vi – IV – I – V
  AmFCG
• I–IV–V (Three-Chord Classic)I – IV – V
  CFG
• ii–V–I (Jazz Cadence)ii – V – I
  Dm7G7Cmaj7
• 12-Bar BluesI – I – I – I | IV – IV – I – I | V – IV – I – V
  C7F7G7
• I–vi–IV–V (Doo-Wop / "50s Progression")I – vi – IV – V
  CAmFG
• Canon Progression (Pachelbel)I – V – vi – iii – IV – I – IV – V
  CGAmEmFCFG
• Royal Road Progression (IV–V–iii–vi)IV – V – iii – vi
  FGEmAm
• I–vi–ii–V (Jazz "Rhythm Changes" Turnaround)I – vi – ii – V
  Cmaj7Am7Dm7G7