13C nmr data have been obtained for a series of 2- and 4-pyrones and pyridones, and their sulfur-containing analogues. Correlations have been observed between the nature of the ring hetero-atom and the chemical shift difference (Δδ) for the Cα and Cβ carbons in these conjugated systems. No significant correlation, however, appears to exist between the chemical shifts of the C=O and C=S groups. Substituent chemical shift (s.c.s.) effects for various simple substituents are compared with those in related series of compounds.