Scale · Major
C Major scale
The C major scale runs C D E F G A B — the formula 1 2 3 4 5 6 7, in steps of W W H W W W H (W a whole tone, H a semitone). The right hand plays it 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 and the left hand 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1, over one octave.
- Notes
- C D E F G A B
- Formula
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- Steps
- W W H W W W H
- Relative minor
- A Natural Minor
On the keyboard
The numbers on the keys are the right-hand fingering; 1 is the thumb.
Fingering, one octave
| Degree | Note | Right hand | Left hand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | 1 | 5 |
| 2 | D | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | E | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | F | 1 | 2 |
| 5 | G | 2 | 1 |
| 6 | A | 3 | 3 |
| 7 | B | 4 | 2 |
| 8 | C | 5 | 1 |
Ascending, right hand 1–2–3–1–2–3–4–5; left hand 5–4–3–2–1–3–2–1. Descending, each hand plays the same fingers in reverse.
The key of C Major
This scale is the key of C Major: its key signature, the seven chords built on these degrees, and the progressions that use them.
C in the other forms
Major scales on every root
Part of the scale reference. See also the chords and the keys.