C Major Scale

Bright, happy, stable. The foundation of Western music theory.

Interactive Scale Player

Click any note to hear it individually, or use the play button to hear the complete scale. Root note (C) is highlighted.

beginner levelPattern: W-W-H-W-W-W-H
C Major on Guitar
Fretboard positions and scale patterns

Fretboard Pattern (First Position)

String
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
E
E
F
·
G
·
A
·
B
C
·
D
·
B
A
·
B
C
·
D
·
E
F
·
G
·
G
D
·
E
F
·
G
·
A
·
B
C
·
D
G
·
A
·
B
C
·
D
·
E
F
·
A
B
C
·
D
·
E
F
·
G
·
A
·
E
E
F
·
G
·
A
·
B
C
·
D
·

Position 1 (Open)

Starting from open strings, easiest for beginners

Position 2 (3rd Fret)

Second position, extends the scale range

Master the C Major Scale

The C Major scale is perfect for beginners. Bright, happy, stable. The foundation of Western music theory.

How to Practice the C Major Scale

Start by learning the scale pattern slowly on your instrument. For guitar players, begin with the open position and gradually work your way up the fretboard. Piano players should focus on proper fingering and hand position. Practice daily for 10-15 minutes to build muscle memory.

C Major Scale in Different Keys

Once you master the C Major scale in C, try transposing it to other keys. This helps you understand the pattern and prepares you for playing with other musicians. The most common keys for this scale are G, D, A, and F.