1.14 The C major scale

In this chapter, you’ll learn how you can make the C major scale by applying the sequence: whole - whole - half - whole - whole - whole - half, starting from C. In the ear training exercise, you’ll learn how to recognize an wrongly played note in the C major scale - and, you’ll learn how to play the C major scale on the piano.

1. The structure of the C major scale

Every major scale consists of the following sequence: whole - whole - half - whole - whole - whole - half. When you apply this sequence starting from C, you get the tones C D E F G A B C.

Video

Examples

Which tones will you get if you construct a major scale, starting from C?

The C major scale is comprised of the notes: C D E F G A B C.
The C major scale has no sharps or flats. There are no accidentals notated.

2. Ear training

Listen to the sound of the C major scale.

The C major scale

Practise

Ear Training exercise 1i: practise being able to hear a wrongly played note in the C major scale.

Example question

In the next scale a wrong note is played:

Which note is played incorrectly?

Practical steps

The notated scale is the C major scale. Sing the scale being played to train your inner hearing abilties. Listen to how this scale differs from the major scale.

Answer: the wrong note being played is the fourth note F.

3. The C major scale played on the piano

The C major scale ascending and descending, played by the right hand over one and over two octaves.

The fingering of the C major scale played with the right hand.

The C major scale ascending and descending, played by the left hand over one and over two octaves.

The fingering of the C major scale played with the left hand.

The C major scale is comprised of the notes C D E F G A B C.
The C major scale has no sharps or flats.

Ear Training exercise 1i: practise being able to hear a wrongly played note in the C major scale.