Chords in the Key of C

The Chords in C Major

The key of C Major contains seven diatonic chords. The three major chords are C, F, G. These are the I, IV, and V chords — the backbone of most chord progressions in this key. The three minor chords are Dm, Em, Am, and the seventh degree is Bdim, which is rarely used as a standalone chord but appears in passing progressions and jazz harmony.

Common Chord Progressions in C Major

The most popular progression in C Major is I–V–vi–IV: C, G, Am, F. This progression is the foundation of hundreds of popular songs across rock, pop, folk, and country. The I chord (C) is the tonal centre; the V chord (G) creates tension that resolves back to I; and the IV chord (F) adds movement and contrast. Knowing these three chords alone is enough to play a large portion of songs written in C Major.

Browse chord progressions by genre and mood — or use the chord progression generator to get progressions in C Major instantly.

C Major on Guitar

C Major is one of the most guitar-friendly keys. Most of its diatonic chords can be played as open chord shapes or straightforward barre chords. Guitarists playing in C Major often use open voicings for a full, resonant sound, or move up the neck for a brighter tone. If the chords are too challenging in this key, use our capo chart for C Major to find a comfortable capo position that lets you play easier shapes while still sounding in C Major. To work with these chords in a key-agnostic way, see our Nashville Number System chart for C Major — the same chords expressed as numbers that work in any key without rewriting.