Two complete major scale maps
| Degree | 1 (I root) | 2 | 3 | 4 (IV root) | 5 (V root) | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C major | C | D | E | F | G | A | B |
| G major | G | A | B | C | D | E | F♯ |
Build each major chord by taking the scale's root, third and fifth above the indicated starting degree. In C: I = C–E–G, IV = F–A–C, V = G–B–D. In G: I = G–B–D, IV = C–E–G, V = D–F♯–A.
Two chord-finding exercises
Exercise A, C major: say and play degrees 1, 4 and 5. Write C | F | G | C, then place a root bass on beat 1 of each 4/4 bar. The final V→I move gives an audible reference for the tonic.
Exercise B, G major: replace each degree with the chord in G: G | C | D | G. Verify that the middle note of D major is F♯, not F natural. This is where the key signature actually changes which key you press.
What scale degrees don't tell you
Roman numerals identify harmonic function and quality when written fully; they do not prescribe a particular octave, rhythm, voicing or tempo. Major-key vi normally names a minor triad, for example Am in C; beginners should not assume every numeral is a major chord.
Use the progression comparison to hear different numeral orders, then the transposition worksheet to adapt a pattern for a different key.
Sources and scope
Source and topic references checked 28 October 2026. The linked articles/course outlines substantiate the indicated general principles and coverage, not our precise original exercise, performance effectiveness, or a first-hand review. Music studies here were independently composed for this site; external musician review before publishing is still outstanding.
- Berklee Online — Music Theory 101 syllabus — notation, triads, inversions, rhythm, lead sheets or key relationships named in the syllabus; not a performance assessment of our examples.
- Berklee Online — Music for Beginners syllabus — foundation in rhythm, melody, pitch, keyboard and basic chords; not a validation of this page’s original practice schedule.