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C Major Scale
Also known as: Ionian Mode
Happy, bright, and uplifting. The most fundamental scale in Western music, conveying optimism and joy.
C Major Scale Notes
C1
D2
E3
F4
G5
A6
B7
C8
Notes: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C
Scale Formula & Intervals
Interval Pattern
W-W-H-W-W-W-H
W = Whole step (2 semitones), H = Half step (1 semitone)
Scale Degrees
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
Scale degrees relative to the root note
Semitones from Root
02457911
Famous Songs Using This Scale
1
Let It Be
The Beatles
2
Happy
Pharrell Williams
3
Ode to Joy
Beethoven
Practice Tips for C Major Scale
- ✓Master this scale first - it's the foundation of Western music theory
- ✓Practice in all 12 keys to develop muscle memory
- ✓Use with I-IV-V chord progressions
- ✓All white keys on piano when starting from C
Common Genres
PopClassicalRockJazzCountryFolk
Practice This Scale
Use our interactive scale practice tool to hear and learn the C Major Scale.
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