C major scale

The notes of the C major scale on a piano, the chords that belong to it, and how it sounds. Press play to hear it, tap a key or a chord, and download the scale as MIDI.

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C1D2E3F4G5A6B7

Steps: W W H W W W H (W = whole step, H = half step)

Chords in C major

Each chord on its own page: C · Dm · Em · F · G · Am · Bdim

Tap a chord to hear it. For progressions you can play and download, see chord progressions in C major.

How C major sounds

Bright, settled and open. The major scale is the reference the other scales are measured against.

Used in: Pop, piano house, disco, gospel house and most uplifting music.

On the Camelot wheel, C major is 8B.

Same notes, different root: A minor, D Dorian, E Phrygian, F Lydian, G Mixolydian.

For the low end: the root of C major is C and the fifth is G. A kick or 808 tuned to one of them sits with the bass; the kick drum tuning chart has the frequencies.

Write chords in this scale with the chord progression generator, or a melody in the synth.

Other major scales

Play this scale with VISIONS OF TOMORROW →71 Serum 2 presets for house and techno: leads, pads, plucks, keys and basses to write in any scale. $29.

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Questions

What notes are in the C major scale?

C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

What chords are in C major?

C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim.

What is the formula for the major scale?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7, or in steps: W W H W W W H (W is a whole step, H a half step).

Which scales have the same notes as C major?

A minor, D Dorian, E Phrygian, F Lydian, G Mixolydian. They use the same seven notes, starting from a different root.

What is C major on the Camelot wheel?

8B.