Piano scale
C Major Scale
The C Major Scale has 7 notes: C – D – E – F – G – A – B.
- C1
- D2
- E3
- F4
- G5
- A6
- B7
Notes of the C Major Scale
| Degree | Notes | Intervals | Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Root | 1 |
| 2 | D | Major 2nd | 2 |
| 3 | E | Major 3rd | 3 |
| 4 | F | Perfect 4th | 4 |
| 5 | G | Perfect 5th | 5 |
| 6 | A | Major 6th | 6 |
| 7 | B | Major 7th | 7 |
Step pattern
W – W – H – W – W – W – H
From the root to the octave the scale moves in this pattern: W – W – H – W – W – W – H.
W = whole step (2 semitones), H = half step (1 semitone), W+H = 3 semitones
Sound and character
The most familiar scale in Western music — seven notes that feel complete, balanced, and cheerful. Most melodies you know come from here.
Sound: Happy & complete
Chords in the C Major Scale
Stack every other note of the scale on each degree to get its chords.
How to use it
Learn it first: it is the reference for every interval name, key signature and chord formula. Practise it hands separately, then hands together, two octaves up and down.
Chords, key signature and progressions: C Major key
Songs that use it
- Happy Birthday · TraditionalFolk
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star · TraditionalFolk
- Let It Go · Idina MenzelMusical
Play the C Major Scale with different sounds in the interactive builder.
Open in the chord builderPractising on an acoustic piano that sounds off?
If chords sound sour even when you play the right notes, the piano is probably out of tune. Our technicians tune pianos across Israel.