6. Major Scale ➜ The 7 Diatonic Chords ➜ Key

C Major Scale

These are the seven notes in the C major scale, displayed below on a piano keyboard.

Major Scale ➜ 7 Diatonic Chords

Each of these seven notes serves as a root note for a diatonic chord.

Building Chords in the C Major Scale

The 1 Chord – C Major

A major chord consists of three notes: the root note, a major third, and a fifth.

• The root note is C.
• The major third is E (4 semitones from C).
• The fifth is G (7 semitones from C).

The 2 Chord – D Minor

A minor chord consists of three notes: the root note, a minor third, and a fifth.

• The root note is D.
• The minor third is F (3 semitones from D).
• The fifth is A (7 semitones from D).

The 3 Chord – E Minor

• The root note is E.
• The minor third is G (3 semitones from E).
• The fifth is B (7 semitones from E).

The 4 Chord – F Major

• The root note is F.
• The major third is A (4 semitones from F).
• The fifth is C (7 semitones from F).

The 5 Chord – G Major

• The root note is G.
• The major third is B (4 semitones from G).
• The fifth is D (7 semitones from G).

The 6 Chord – A Minor

• The root note is A.
• The minor third is C (3 semitones from A).
• The fifth is E (7 semitones from A).

The 7 Chord – B Diminished

A diminished chord consists of three notes: the root note, a minor third, and a diminished fifth.

• The root note is B.
• The minor third is D (3 semitones from B).
• The diminished fifth is F (6 semitones from B).

The 7 Diatonic Chords on the Circle of Fifths

The seven diatonic chords of the C major scale are labeled on the Circle of Fifths below.

The Concept of Key in Music

The lesson I want to convey is that the 7 notes in the C major scale serve as the root notes for 7 diatonic chords. Together, these 7 notes and their corresponding 7 diatonic chords form the key of C major.

Every song is composed in at least one key. A key is a tonal home base, determining the notes and chords used in a song. Sometimes, songs change keys during progression to:

• Shift the mood (happiness or sadness)
• Create contrast and keep the listener engaged
• Highlight different sections of the song
• Tell a musical story (e.g., from despair to hope)

Later in this course, I will teach you how to transition between keys effectively.

Ready to Write Your Own Hit Songs?

If you love learning about music, imagine if you knew how to write professional songs from start to finish! My Professional Songwriting Course gives you a complete roadmap across 30 chapters, covering:

• Thousands of Chord Variations: Customize your progressions to create your exact sound.
• Effortless Key Changes: Master changing keys to unlock limitless possibilities.
• Pro-Level Guitar Techniques: Add soul, speed, and precision to your playing.
• In-Depth Tone Shaping: Manipulate your physical and electronic guitar tone in great detail.
• Songwriting in Major & Minor Keys: Apply your skills to write powerful songs with confidence.

Buy the full roadmap and become a rockstar songwriter for just $5/month.

Summary

• The major scale consists of seven notes.
• Each of these seven notes serves as a root note for a diatonic chord.
• A major chord is built with a root note, a major third, and a fifth.
• A minor chord is built with a root note, a minor third, and a fifth.
• A diminished chord is built with a root note, a minor third, and a diminished fifth.
• The seven diatonic chords of the C major scale are: C Major (1), D Minor (2), E Minor (3), F Major (4), G Major (5), A Minor (6), and B Diminished (7).
• The Circle of Fifths can be used to remember the chord numbers using a star pattern.
• The 7 notes in the C major scale and their 7 diatonic chords form the key of C major.
• Every song is composed in at least one key, which determines the notes and chords used.
• Songs can change keys to shift mood, create contrast, highlight sections, or tell a musical story.

Goal Achieved

You have successfully learned about the seven notes in the C major scale and how they correspond to the seven diatonic chords, establishing a foundational understanding of the key of C major.

What's Next?

Ready to put your knowledge of the C Major Scale into practice on the guitar? Next chapter, you'll learn to play all seven diatonic chords on the E string by mastering just three essential chord shapes: one for major, one for minor, and one for diminished. You'll then apply these chords to play sections of well-known songs and explore the unique emotional character of each chord to begin crafting your own four-chord progressions.