Chords in the Key of C major

The key of C major has no sharps or flats. Its chords are C · Dm · Em · F · G · Am · Bdim, and most songs are built around C · F · G · Am.

Chords in C major

Degree	Chord	Type
I	C	major
ii	Dm	minor
iii	Em	minor
IV	F	major
V	G	major
vi	Am	minor
vii°	Bdim	diminished
V7	G7	dominant 7th — often used instead of V

Tap a chord for its chart, notes and capo options.

Chords in the key of C major — guitar chord charts for C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim — All on one image — long-press (or right-click) to save it.

Common chord progressions

I–V–vi–IV (the pop progression)

C G Am F

▶ Play

vi–IV–I–V (emotional ballad)

Am F C G

▶ Play

I–vi–IV–V (50s progression)

C Am F G

▶ Play

Canon progression (Pachelbel)

C G Am Em F C F G

▶ Play

Play it easier with a capo

Capo on fret 3 + A major shapes → sounds in C major
Capo on fret 5 + G major shapes → sounds in C major

Related keys and scales

Relative key: A minor — same key signature.

A half step up: Db major · a half step down: B major

Scales: C major scale · C major pentatonic

FAQ

What chords are in the key of C major?

The diatonic chords of C major are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim. Most songs revolve around C, F, G, Am, and G7 shows up often too.

How can I play in C major more easily on guitar?

It's an easy key you can play with open chords. With a capo you can use easier shapes: capo 3 + A major shapes, capo 5 + G major shapes.

How many sharps or flats does C major have?

No sharps or flats. Its relative key, A minor, shares the same key signature.

How do I transpose a song to C major?

Move every chord by the same number of semitones — the progression player has a transpose control. For a whole PDF song sheet, the Buskermate app reads the chords and changes the key in one go.

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