Scale reference
C major scale
C – D – E – F – G – A – B
The C major scale runs C, D, E, F, G, A, B and then back to C. It follows the major step pattern — tone, tone, semitone, tone, tone, tone, semitone — which is what makes it major rather than any other kind of scale.
It uses each letter name once, which is why it is written with no sharps or flats at all.
The notes
The step pattern
Every major scale uses the same sequence of steps. Change the starting note and the pattern is what you keep.
- C1tone
- D2tone
- E3semi
- F4tone
- G5tone
- A6tone
- B7semi
- C8
Play it, then move it
The explorer starts on C major. Press play to hear it, touch any key, then change the starting note and watch the same pattern force different black keys. Switch to natural minor to hear the parallel minor on the same tonic.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Name | Interval from C | Semitones |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Tonic | Perfect unison | 0 |
| 2 | D | Supertonic | Major second | 2 |
| 3 | E | Mediant | Major third | 4 |
| 4 | F | Subdominant | Perfect fourth | 5 |
| 5 | G | Dominant | Perfect fifth | 7 |
| 6 | A | Submediant | Major sixth | 9 |
| 7 | B | Leading tone | Major seventh | 11 |
Key signature
C major is the scale of the key of C major, which has no sharps or flats. The key page lists the seven chords built on these notes.
Related
- A minor scaleRelative key — the same notes, a different home note.
- C minor scaleParallel key — the same tonic, a different set of notes.
- Key of C majorSignature, diatonic chords and common progressions.
- How the major scale worksThe concept behind this page.
- Scale explorerEvery major, minor and pentatonic scale on all twelve roots, playable.