C major scale on piano
C major: the do-re-mi scale: the basis of most melodies and of all major keys.
| Notes | C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C |
|---|---|
| Steps | W – W – H – W – W – W – H (W = whole step, H = half step) |
| Fingering | Right hand 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 · Left hand 5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1 |
| Relative minor | A minor |
How to play the C major scale
Play it with the right hand using fingers 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 going up — the thumb passes under after the third finger. With the left hand use 5 4 3 2 1 3 2 1. Start slowly with the metronome and keep every note even.
Chords in C major
Build a chord on every note of the scale using only notes from the scale:
| Step | Triad | Seventh chord |
|---|---|---|
| I | C major | Cmaj7 |
| ii | D minor | Dm7 |
| iii | E minor | Em7 |
| IV | F major | Fmaj7 |
| V | G major | G7 |
| vi | A minor | Am7 |
| vii° | B diminished | Bm7♭5 |
Other C scales
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