Basics

The C major scale

Eight notes in a row — the friendliest scale to start with.

2 min read

A scale is a ladder of notes that steps from one note up to the same note an octave higher. C major is the easiest of all: it uses only the white keys.

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C major: C D E F G A B C — eight white keys in a row.

Fingers that flow

With the right hand you can’t fit five fingers over eight keys, so the thumb tucks under after the third note: thumb, 2, 3, then thumb again, 2, 3, 4, 5. That little tuck keeps the scale smooth.

Tip: Play it slowly and evenly before you play it fast. A steady slow scale beats a rushed, bumpy one every time — try the scale warm-up on the Practice page.

Open the scale warm-up →