C-shape Tonic Position

The C-shape tonic position organizes all the chords in a major key around the C-shape I chord.

Chords in this position

Press the play button to change through all chords in a major key, animated in place. Notice how every chord uses notes from the underlying major scale.

Chord diagrams

These diagrams show chord shapes for all the major key chords in this position. They're organized in columns of I-IV-V relationships, and rows of relative major/minor relationships.

Study and practice

First, learn the chords

Work on unfamiliar grips with the procedure described in How to Master New Chord Grips.

Practice the primary chords

See the primary chords lesson for details.

Practice the secondary chords

See the secondary chords lesson for details.

Practice major and minor pairs

Each major chord shape has a matching relative minor shape, and vice versa. The relative major and minor shapes are always found together in the same key, whatever the position.

Play ascending and descending

Play the chord on each scale degree in order, both ascending and descending.

Practice descending fifths

Descending the circle of fifths (I-IV-vii°-iii-vi-ii-V-I) is a musical way to practice every diatonic chord in the key. It also contains the most common chord progressions used in most jazz songs.

Play songs in this position

One of the best ways to become familiar with a position is to play songs you already know entirely inside the position.