Diatonic Chords April 10, 2026 3 min read

Diatonic Chord Chart: All 12 Major Keys

A complete reference chart of diatonic chords for all 12 major keys — the chords every musician needs to know.

Contents

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This reference lists all seven diatonic chords for each of the 12 major keys. Use it alongside the interactive tool to hear each chord.

How to Read This Chart

Columns are the seven diatonic degrees: I, IIm, IIIm, IV, V, VIm, VIIdim.

Key	I	IIm	IIIm	IV	V	VIm	VIIdim
C	C	Dm	Em	F	G	Am	Bdim
G	G	Am	Bm	C	D	Em	F#dim
D	D	Em	F#m	G	A	Bm	C#dim
A	A	Bm	C#m	D	E	F#m	G#dim
E	E	F#m	G#m	A	B	C#m	D#dim
B	B	C#m	D#m	E	F#	G#m	A#dim
F#/Gb	F#	G#m	A#m	B	C#	D#m	E#dim
Db	Db	Ebm	Fm	Gb	Ab	Bbm	Cdim
Ab	Ab	Bbm	Cm	Db	Eb	Fm	Gdim
Eb	Eb	Fm	Gm	Ab	Bb	Cm	Ddim
Bb	Bb	Cm	Dm	Eb	F	Gm	Adim
F	F	Gm	Am	Bb	C	Dm	Edim

Don’t memorize the chart row by row. Learn the pattern (M-m-m-M-M-m-dim) and apply it.
Pick a key you play in and get familiar with just those seven chords first.
Use degree names (I, IV, V) in conversation — they transfer across keys instantly.

Try With Sound

Use the related tool to play everything covered in this article. Hearing it alongside reading helps it stick.

Learn how to write your own chord progressions using diatonic chords — a practical guide for beginner songwriters.

Practical strategies for learning diatonic chords across all 12 keys — without rote memorization.

Understand the three chord functions — T, SD, and D — and how they create tension, release, and emotional direction in music.