Chords in the Key of C♯ Major (C#)
The key of C# major is built on the notes C# – D# – E# – F# – G# – A# – B#. Every chord below is drawn from that scale, so they all sound at home together.
The seven chords in C# major
| Numeral | Chord | Notes | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | C# | C# E# G# | Major |
| ii | D#m | D# F# A# | Minor |
| iii | E#m | E# G# B# | Minor |
| IV | F# | F# A# C# | Major |
| V | G# | G# B# D# | Major |
| vi | A#m | A# C# E# | Minor |
| vii° | B#dim | B# D# F# | Diminished |
Seventh chords in C# major
Adding the next third on top of each triad gives the seventh chords of the key — the harmonic vocabulary most jazz and soul writing starts from.
| Numeral | Chord | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Imaj7 | C#maj7 | C# E# G# B# |
| ii7 | D#m7 | D# F# A# C# |
| iii7 | E#m7 | E# G# B# D# |
| IVmaj7 | F#maj7 | F# A# C# E# |
| V7 | G#7 | G# B# D# F# |
| vi7 | A#m7 | A# C# E# G# |
| viiø7 | B#m7b5 | B# D# F# A# |
Common chord progressions in C# major
| Numerals | Chords in C# major | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| I – V – vi – IV | C# – G# – A#m – F# | The most common progression in modern pop music. |
| I – IV – V – I | C# – F# – G# – C# | The classic three-chord cadence used across blues, folk and rock. |
| ii – V – I | D#m – G# – C# | The backbone of jazz harmony. |
| vi – IV – I – V | A#m – F# – C# – G# | A softer, minor-flavoured rotation of the pop progression. |
Relative minor key
C# major shares all of its notes with A# minor, so switching between the two changes the mood of a piece without changing a single note. A# minor and Bb minor are the same pitches written two ways; this reference files that key under Bb minor.
Scale reference
See the full C# Major scale for its fingering, key signature, degrees and step pattern. The same key is also written Db major.
Other scales for this key: C# major pentatonic.
Other keys
Frequently asked questions
What chords are in the key of C# major?
The key of C# major contains C#, D#m, E#m, F#, G#, A#m, B#dim. These are the triads built on each degree of the C# major scale.
What is the relative minor of C# major?
The relative minor of C# major is A# minor. Both keys use exactly the same notes but resolve to a different tonic. A# minor and Bb minor are the same pitches spelled two ways; this reference files that key under Bb minor.
How many sharps or flats does C# major have?
The C# major scale is spelled C#, D#, E#, F#, G#, A#, B#, which gives it 7 sharps and 0 flats.