Chords in the key of C major on ukulele
The chords in the key of C major are built from the notes of the scale: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim. Almost every song in this key uses only these, with the dominant G7 leading back to C.
The chords of the key
- CI
- Dmii
- Emiii
- FIV
- GV
- G7V7
- Amvi
- Bdimvii°
| Degree | Chord | Function |
|---|---|---|
| I | C | tonic (rest) |
| ii | Dm | subdominant (moves away) |
| iii | Em | tonic (rest) |
| IV | F | subdominant (moves away) |
| V | G | dominant (tension) |
| V7 | G7 | dominant (tension) |
| vi | Am | tonic (rest) |
| vii° | Bdim | dominant (tension) |
Common progressions
- Pop (I–V–vi–IV): C – G – Am – F
- 50s (I–vi–IV–V): C – Am – F – G
- ii–V–I: Dm – G7 – C – C
- Turnaround (I–vi | ii–V7): C Am – Dm G7
To improvise
The C major scale works over all these chords. To start with less risk, use the major pentatonic: five notes that almost never sound wrong in this key. C major pentatonic · C major scale
Relative key: A minor, with the same notes and a different home chord.