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Key of C major
C major has no sharps or flats in its key signature. Its scale is C, D, E, F, G, A, B and its relative key is A minor.
- 1C
- 2D
- 3E
- 4F
- 5G
- 6A
- 7B
PatternW – W – H – W – W – W – H(W = whole step, H = half step)
The C scales
- C majorC D E F G A B
- C major pentatonicC D E G A
- C major bluesC D E♭ E G A
Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Name | Interval from the tonic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Tonic | Unison |
| 2 | D | Supertonic | Major second |
| 3 | E | Mediant | Major third |
| 4 | F | Subdominant | Perfect fourth |
| 5 | G | Dominant | Perfect fifth |
| 6 | A | Submediant | Major sixth |
| 7 | B | Leading tone | Major seventh |
Triads in the key
Seventh chords in the key
The modes of the scale
Starting from each degree of the scale, with the same notes, you get seven modes.
- C IonianC D E F G A B
- D DorianD E F G A B C
- E PhrygianE F G A B C D
- F LydianF G A B C D E
- G MixolydianG A B C D E F
- A AeolianA B C D E F G
- B LocrianB C D E F G A
On the circle of fifths
Frequently asked questions
- How many sharps or flats does C major have?
- C major has no sharps and no flats.
- What are the chords in C major?
- The chords on the seven degrees are C, Dm, Em, F, G, Am, Bdim.
- What is the relative key of C major?
- It is A minor: the two keys share the same notes and the same key signature.
From theory to practice
With GEN you generate ever-new exercises on the scales you are studying.