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Key

Key of C major

C major is spelled C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Signature: no sharps or flats.

  • no sharps or flats
  • Relative A
  • Play the scale

C major

Notes, signature and the chords of the key

C major uses no sharps or flats. Its relative minor is A minor. The scale is C – D – E – F – G – A – B.

DegreeChordRoot frequency
IC major261.63 Hz
iiD minor293.66 Hz
iiiE minor329.63 Hz
IVF major349.23 Hz
VG major392.00 Hz
viA minor440.00 Hz
vii°B diminished493.88 Hz

Tonic note page: C4. Matching scale page: C major scale.

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Explore the cluster

C minor The parallel key, same tonic, other mode. Parallel key → C major scale The scale on its own, with playback. Play the scale → C major chord Just the tonic chord, with its notes and frequencies. Tonic chord →

FAQ

C major questions

How many sharps or flats are in C major?

No sharps or flats.

What is the relative minor of C major?

A minor, which shares this signature.

Are these chord qualities for the harmonic minor?

No. Minor keys on this page use the natural minor, so the v chord is minor. Harmonic and melodic minor are a later batch.