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.
This is because the key of C has none.
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 – T – S – T – T – T – S
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
| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
| C | D | E | F | G | A | B |
| Major | Minor | Minor | Major | Major | Minor | Diminshed |
| Relative Minor |
Popular Chords from C major – excluding diminished chords:
Related Articles: