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

1C♯

2D♯

3E♯

4F♯

5G♯

6A♯

7B♯

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♯–A♯m–F♯

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

I–vi–IV–V

C♯–A♯m–F♯–G♯

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

vi–IV–I–V

A♯m–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

D♯m7–G♯7–C♯maj7

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