C major scale
The C major scale has the notes C D E F G A B. Its formula is 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. It is mode I of the major scale (Ionian); its relative minor is A. Key signature: no accidentals.
It can also be written as B♯; we use the spelling with fewer accidentals.
Scale notes
| Degree | Formula | Note |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1 | C tonic |
| II | 2 | D |
| III | 3 | E |
| IV | 4 | F |
| V | 5 | G |
| VI | 6 | A |
| VII | 7 | B |
Chords of the scale
| Symbol | Chord | Notes | Chord-scale | Tensions | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMaj7 modal center | CMaj7 | C E G B | Ionian C | 9 (D), 13 (A) | 11 (F) |
| IIm7 | Dm7 | D F A C | Dorian D | 9 (E), 11 (G) | 13 (B) |
| IIIm7 | Em7 | E G B D | Phrygian E | 11 (A) | b9 (F), b13 (C) |
| IVMaj7 | FMaj7 | F A C E | Lydian F | 9 (G), #11 (B), 13 (D) | – |
| V7 | G7 | G B D F | Mixolydian G | 9 (A), 13 (E) | 11 (C) |
| VIm7 | Am7 | A C E G | Aeolian A | 9 (B), 11 (D) | b13 (F) |
| VIIø | Bø | B D F A | Locrian B | 11 (E), b13 (G) | b9 (C) |
Character and characteristic note
The major scale, or Ionian mode, is the first mode of the major scale and the basis of tonal harmony. Its pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) is W W H W W W H. Every other mode is compared against it.
How to use it
No characteristic note or move of its own; only the modal center IMaj7. It is the reference for the major family. In the other modes the relative Ionian is avoided so the center does not shift. In modal interchange, do not alter the I or the quality of the V7.
Watch out for
- The relative Ionian is avoided in the other modes so the center does not shift.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C major scale?
C D E F G A B. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.
What chords can you build on the C major scale?
The seventh chords on each degree are IMaj7 = CMaj7, IIm7 = Dm7, IIIm7 = Em7, IVMaj7 = FMaj7, V7 = G7, VIm7 = Am7, VIIø = Bø.
What is the relative minor of C major?
The relative minor of C major is A: they share the same notes.