Chord progressions in C major

The seven chords of C major and the progressions producers use most, all spelled out in C major. Press play to hear any of them, download the MIDI, or open one in the generator to change it.

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The chords in C major

Notes: C D E F G A B · C major scale · Relative minor: A minor

Tap a chord to hear it. Each on its own page: C · Dm · Em · F · G · Am · Bdim

Pop axis

C major
CIGVAmviFIV

I, V, vi, IV. The most used four chords in pop, and as piano stabs the sound of 90s piano house.

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Sad pop

C major
AmviFIVCIGV

vi, IV, I, V. The same four chords started on the minor one, which makes them wistful.

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The fifties progression

C major
CIAmviFIVGV

I, vi, IV, V. The doo-wop progression, still common in ballads.

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Royal road

C major
FIVGVEmiiiAmvi

IV, V, iii, vi. Huge in J-pop and anime music; it never quite settles on the tonic.

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Jazz turnaround

C major
Dm7ii7G7V7Cmaj7Imaj7

ii7, V7, Imaj7. The ii-V-I of jazz, used in soulful and disco-flavoured house.

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Two-chord major

C major
CIFIV

I to IV. Bright and open; two chords that carry gospel house, disco and pop.

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Lift to the minor

C major
FIVCIGVAmvi

IV, I, V, vi. Ends on the minor chord, so each round sounds like it is still going somewhere. Common in modern pop and EDM.

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Using these progressions

  • C major and A minor use the same notes, so progressions from either work in the same track.
  • Keep the bass on the root of each chord and play the chords above it, the way these progressions are voiced.
  • For house and techno, try the chords as short stabs on the offbeat; for pads, hold each chord for a whole bar.

Every progression on the site, in every key, as MIDI in one zip: free MIDI chord progressions.

More chord progressions

Chord progressions by key

Play these chords with VISIONS OF TOMORROW →71 Serum 2 presets for house and techno, with pads, keys, plucks and stabs made for chords like these. $29.

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Questions

What chords are in C major?

C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim. The seventh chord, Bdim, is diminished, so most progressions leave it out.

What is the relative minor of C major?

A minor. The two keys share every note.

What are common chord progressions in C major?

C G Am F (pop axis); Am F C G (sad pop); C Am F G (the fifties progression).

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