The C major scale is a diatonic scale. It consists of seven distinct notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, and B, followed by the octave C to complete the cycle. What makes the C major scale particularly foundational is its lack of sharp or flat notes (ie only white keys of a keyboard), making it an ideal starting point for beginners to learn music theory and notation.

From the C major scale, we can derive several triads (or chords), each rooted on one of the scale’s seven notes, and completed by adding the third and fifth notes above each root.

The interval between the root and the third determines the chord’s quality: a major third interval, consisting of 4 semitones, results in a major chord, whereas a minor third interval, consisting of 3 semitones, creates a minor chord.

Every major key has a relative minor key that shares the same key signature. For the C major scale, the relative minor is A minor

These triads represent the “harmonious possibilities” inherent in the C major scale, forming the foundation upon which much of Western music is built.

“Imagine” by John Lennon, “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, and “Don’t Look Back in Anger” are all in the key of C Major.