Chords in Key

Find every chord in any key.

Pick a key and see diatonic triads, 7th chords, common jazz extensions, roman numerals, common progressions, and the relative major or minor — all in one place. Use it to write progressions, harmonize melodies, or just learn the harmonic language of any key.

Choose a Key

Mode

Display Mode

Marky Mode

Bold colors

Showing chords in C Major

Relative minor A Minor

Diatonic chords with 7ths and jazz options

Common progressions in this key

Quick reference chart

Understanding chords in a key

How to think about chords in a key.

01 — The Pattern

Chords come from the scale

Chords in a key are built by stacking notes inside the scale. In a major key, the triad pattern is major, minor, minor, major, major, minor, diminished — giving you I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, and vii°.

Learn this pattern once and you instantly know the chords in every major key.

02 — Roman Numerals

Why roman numerals matter

Roman numerals describe each chord's function in the key, not just its name. A ii-V-I in C major is Dm7-G7-Cmaj7. In G major it becomes Am7-D7-Gmaj7 — same function, different chords.

Thinking in numerals lets you transpose ideas across any key instantly.

03 — Add 7ths

7th chords add color

Adding a 7th on top of each triad gives you the diatonic 7th chords — especially useful for jazz, blues, funk, soul, R&B, and more colorful rock harmony.

If you want to drill the actual chord tones, the Arpeggio Finder shows every position across the fretboard.

04 — From Chords to Solo

Now play over them

Once you know the chords in a key, you can write a progression and figure out what to solo with. Use the Chord Progression Scale Finder to analyze any progression, or the Scale Over Chord Finder for chord-by-chord scale choices.

Frequently Asked

Chords in Key FAQ

How do I find the chords in a key?

Start with the notes of the scale, then build a chord from each scale degree by stacking thirds. In a major key, the basic pattern is I, ii, iii, IV, V, vi, and vii diminished.

What are the jazz chords in a major key?

In a major key, the common diatonic 7th chords are Imaj7, ii7, iii7, IVmaj7, V7, vi7, and vii half-diminished. Common extensions include maj9, m9, 9, 13, 7sus4, and 6/9 chords.

Are 7th chords in key?

Yes. 7th chords are created by adding one more scale tone on top of each triad. They are still diatonic if all the notes come from the key.

What is a ii-V-I progression?

A ii-V-I is one of the most common progressions in jazz and popular music. In C major, it is Dm7-G7-Cmaj7. In G major, it is Am7-D7-Gmaj7. You can analyze it in the Progression Scale Finder to see the recommended scales.

Should beginners learn jazz chord names?

You do not need to master every jazz chord immediately, but learning maj7, m7, 7, and m7b5 will make chord charts, progressions, and lead playing much easier to understand.

Brought to you by Music With Marky

Use this with the scale, progression, and arpeggio tools to connect chords, keys, scales, and the fretboard into one complete approach to music.

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