C

General info

Full name

C Major

Symbol

C

Root

C

Quality

Major

Chord notes

Functions & resolutions

Typical function in key

ITonic (I)C major

Stability / tension

Stable — can serve as major tonic

Most common resolutions

FF MajorGG MajorAmA Minor

Main resolution

Csource

GG Major

Major chord C is a stable tonic. As tonic it doesn't require resolution, but in a progression context typically moves to IV or V.

Other resolutions

Csource

Deceptive resolution

AmA Minor

As the V degree, a major chord can defy expectations by moving to vi instead of I (deceptive cadence).

Csource

Modal resolution

A#A# Major

In modal context, a major chord can freely move to bVII, bIII, or bVI — characteristic of Mixolydian mode.

Csource

Jazz reharmonization

Cmaj7C Major 7

In jazz, a major chord is enriched to maj7, 6/9, or add9 and can smoothly transition into a ii-V of another key (modulation).

Csource

Functional resolution

GG Major

As the IV degree (subdominant), a major chord can resolve to V or directly to I (plagal cadence).

Substitutions

Parallel

CmC Minor

Relative

AmA Minor

Mediant

EmE Minor

Features

Character

Major, stable

Characteristic interval

Major third (M3)

Description

The major 3rd defines the major quality, while the perfect 5th makes the triad stable.

Application

• I, IV, V in major keys
• Pop, rock, folk
• Cadential chords

Voicing & structure

Harmony

Harmonic context

IC majorTonicVF majorDominantIVG majorPredominantVIID minorDominant

Typical transitions

GCommon pairAmCommon pair

Typical progressions

I-V-vi-IV

C—G—Am—F

Pop

Compatible scales

All chord tones are contained in these scales — use them for improvisation.