C Major Scale on Guitar
The C Major Scale has the notes C – D – E – F – G – A – B. Major is the foundation of Western harmony. Bright, happy and resolved.
C Major Scale notes
| Degree | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | D | E | F | G | A | B |
Its relative minor is A minor: A natural minor uses exactly the same notes.
Fretboard diagram (frets 0 to 12)
7 positions across the neck
Learn the scale one box at a time and then link neighbouring boxes. Each diagram covers a five-fret window.
Position 1 (frets 0–4)
Position 2 (frets 0–4)
Position 3 (frets 2–6)
Position 4 (frets 4–8)
Position 5 (frets 6–10)
Position 6 (frets 7–11)
Position 7 (frets 9–13)
How to use the C Major Scale
Melodies, riffs and solos in a major key. Most pop songs are built from the notes of a major scale.
Practice tip. Learn the scale across one string first, then link the patterns. Every major scale uses the same whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half step pattern.
Chords in C Major
These seven chords are built from the notes of the C Major Scale, and are the ones you will hear in songs in this key.
| Numeral | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C |
| ii | Dm |
| iii | Em |
| IV | F |
| V | G |
| vi | Am |
| vii° | Bdim |
More Major scales and related scales
FAQ
What are the notes of the C Major Scale?
The C Major Scale contains C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
What is the C Major Scale used for?
Major is the foundation of Western harmony. Use it for melodies, riffs and solos over major chords.
How many notes are in the Major scale?
7 notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, then the root C again an octave higher.
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