C Major
The C major key is built on the C major scale and borrows notes and chords from related modes like C Mixolydian and C Lydian.
- Key signature
- No sharps or flats
- Relative minor
- Neighboring keys
Chords in this key
- I
- ii
- iii
- IV
- V
- vi
- vii°
Common chord progressions
- Pop progressionI – V – vi – IV
- Three-chord songI – IV – V
- '50s doo-wopI – vi – IV – V
- Jazz cadenceii – V – I
Borrowed chords
Chords borrowed into C Major from outside for extra color.
- V7/V
- V7/ii
- V7/vi
- bIII
- bVI
- bVII
- V7
- Isus4
- Vsus4
Modes on this root
Same root as C Major, different flavor.
Songs in C Major
See all 38 songs
About Ukulele Keys
A musical key is the family of notes and chords a song is built around, named for its home note, like C major or A minor. The wheel above is a circle of fifths, which lays out all twelve keys so the closest-sounding ones sit side by side.
How keys relate
The outer ring holds the major keys and the inner ring their relative minors. A key's neighbors are its dominant (V, to the right) and subdominant (IV, to the left), the three chords behind most songs.
Keys on ukulele
C, G, F, D, and A major, plus A, E, and D minor, are highlighted as the easiest keys on ukulele: open strings and simple shapes. Landed in a harder key? Pick a nearby one or use a capo.
Frequently asked questions
What is a musical key?
The set of notes and chords a piece of music is built from, centered on a home note that gives it its name, like C major or A minor. The circle of fifths above groups related keys so you can see which ones share the most notes.
How do I use it to write a song?
Pick a key and build a progression from its chords, usually I, IV, V, and the relative minor (vi). Neighboring keys on the wheel are the easiest to modulate to.
Which keys are easiest on ukulele?
C major is friendliest, then G, F, D, and A major, plus A, E, and D minor. They rely on open strings and simple shapes, and are highlighted on the wheel above.