C Major
Key Signature
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tonic | C |
| Mode | Major |
| Accidentals | 0 (no accidentals) |
| Key Signature Notes | None |
C major is the simplest key signature with no sharps or flats. It is the starting point for music theory and the most widely studied key in Western music.
Diatonic Chords
The seven diatonic chords of C Major — each built on a scale degree using only the notes of the key signature:
| Degree | Roman Numeral | Chord Type | Chord |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | I | Major | C Major |
| 2 | ii | Minor | D Minor |
| 3 | iii | Minor | E Minor |
| 4 | IV | Major | F Major |
| 5 | V | Major | G Major |
| 6 | vi | Minor | A Minor |
| 7 | vii° | Diminished | B Diminished |
Related Keys
- Relative Minor
- A Minor — shares the same key signature.
- Parallel Minor
- C Minor — same tonic, different key signature.
See all key relationships on the Circle of Fifths.
Scales in C Major
Common scales built from the C tonic:
Transposing Instrument Context
Sharp-key signatures like C Major are comfortable for open-string instruments (guitar, violin). Bb instruments (trumpet, clarinet, tenor saxophone) read in D major to sound C Major. Eb instruments (alto saxophone, Eb clarinet) read in A major to sound C Major. Standard guitar tuning (E A D G B E) resonates naturally in C Major.