The Key Of C Major – The Basics

The Key Of C Major – The Basics

The key of C major is the easiest key to get to know.

This article deals with it’s principles, key signature, chords, relative minor and modes.

It also contains links to related articles on this site.

First the key signature.

This bit is the easiest bit.

When you look at the clef, you will see no sharps or flats indicated.

Key of C Treble Clef

This is because the key of C has none.

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C Major Scale

The C Major scale has the following notes: C D E F G A B

The Major Scale is created using (T)ones and (S)emitones

The scale works in steps: T – TST – T – TS

The C has the following chords: C Dm Em F G Am Bdim

It’s relative Key is A Minor.

It’s Modes are:

D Dorian
E Phrygian
F Lydian
G Mixolydian
A Aeolian(natural minor)
B Locrian

Chords in the Key of C Major

IIIIIIIVVVIVII
IIIIIIIVVVIVII
CDEFGAB
MajorMinorMinorMajorMajorMinorDiminshed
Relative Minor

Popular Chords from C major – excluding diminished chords:


Related Articles:

C Major Scale

C Major Chord

G Major Chord

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