All C Scales & Modes
Browse all musical scales built from C. Learn note sequences, interval formulas (whole and half steps), and genre applications.
C Scale System Facts
The fundamental scale built from C is the C Major scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B), following the W-W-H-W-W-W-H pattern. Its parallel minor is C Natural Minor (C-D-D#-F-G-G#-A#), while its major pentatonic uses degrees 1-2-3-5-6 (C-D-E-G-A).
Scales Starting on C
C Major Scale
W-W-H-W-W-W-HHappy, bright, and uplifting. The most fundamental scale in Western music, conveying optimism and joy.
C Natural Minor Scale
W-H-W-W-H-W-WSad, melancholic, and introspective. Creates a sense of longing and emotional depth.
C Harmonic Minor Scale
W-H-W-W-H-W+H-HExotic, mysterious, and dramatic. The raised 7th creates tension and a distinctive Middle Eastern flavor.
C Melodic Minor Scale
W-H-W-W-W-W-HSophisticated and versatile. Like a minor scale with major tendencies, creating complex emotional colors.
C Major Pentatonic Scale
W-W-m3-W-m3Open, bright, and universally pleasing. No dissonance - sounds good over almost everything.
C Minor Pentatonic Scale
m3-W-W-m3-WRaw, powerful, and soulful. The backbone of blues and rock music.
C Blues Scale
m3-W-H-H-m3-WGritty, emotional, and expressive. The ♭5 (blue note) adds that distinctive blues tension.
C Dorian Mode
W-H-W-W-W-H-WMinor with a hopeful twist. The raised 6th gives it a brighter, jazzier feel than natural minor.
C Mixolydian Mode
W-W-H-W-W-H-WMajor with attitude. The ♭7 adds a bluesy, rock edge to the bright major sound.
C Phrygian Mode
H-W-W-W-H-W-WDark, Spanish, and exotic. The ♭2 creates an immediately recognizable Mediterranean sound.
C Lydian Mode
W-W-W-H-W-W-HDreamy, floating, and ethereal. The #4 creates an otherworldly, uplifting quality.
C Locrian Mode
H-W-W-H-W-W-WUnstable, dissonant, and unsettling. The ♭5 prevents any sense of resolution.