C major scale
The C major scale notes: C – D – E – F – G – A – B. Whole–whole–half–whole–whole–whole–half. The basis of most children's songs, folk tunes and pop melodies.
Notes and steps
Steps: W – W – H – W – W – W – H · W = whole step, H = half step
C major scale on guitar
Standard tuning, frets 0–12. Filled circles are the root.
C major scale on piano
Chords in this scale
Other scales from C
The same scale from other notes
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C major scale?
C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Step formula: W–W–H–W–W–W–H (W = whole step, H = half step).
How do I practise it on guitar?
Every circle on the fretboard is a note of the scale up to fret 12; the filled circles mark the root (C). Start in one position (within 4–5 frets), root to root, slowly, with a metronome.
Which chords go with it?
The chords built on its degrees: C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim. More in the key of C major.
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