ScaleRoot

C Major

The major scale (Ionian mode): seven notes following whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. The foundational scale of Western tonal music, with a bright, resolved character.

Notes

Diatonic chords

Triads

7th chords

Common progressions

I–IV–V

C–F–G

The classic three-chord progression of rock, blues, and country.

I–V–vi–IV

C–G–Am–F

The pop progression — heard in everything from "Don't Stop Believin'" to "Let It Be".

I–vi–IV–V

C–Am–F–G

The 50s doo-wop progression ("Earth Angel", "Stand By Me").

vi–IV–I–V

Am–F–C–G

The same chords as I–V–vi–IV, starting on the relative minor. Sounds wistful where I–V–vi–IV sounds uplifting.

ii7–V7–Imaj7

Dm7–G7–Cmaj7

The fundamental cadence of jazz harmony — m7 to dominant 7 to major 7.