Guitar scale

C Major (Ionian) Guitar Scale

C major is a seven-note major scale built from C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. It has no sharps or flats, which makes it a useful reference point for understanding intervals on the fretboard.

Notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B
Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Semitones: 0 2 4 5 7 9 11
Parent scale: C major
Also called: C Ionian

How to read this scale

The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representC root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.

Use the interactive fretboard to track the C roots and see how the major-scale pattern repeats across all six strings.

This same note pattern is also commonly called C Ionian.

Sound and defining tones

C major gets its clear major quality from 3 (E) and 7 (B). The major third establishes the chord quality, while the major seventh acts as a leading tone that pulls strongly back to C.

Characteristic tones: 3E7B

Fretboard diagram

Open this scale in the fretboard tool

Start with C Major (Ionian) loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Common chords and contexts

Use C major as the complete note set for diatonic harmony in the key of C. Follow the chord tones as the progression changes instead of treating every scale note as equally stable.

Use C major over C major, Cmaj7, and straightforward major-key progressions.
It is also the parent scale for the seven major-scale modes that share the same notes.

Practice this scale on guitar

Play C Major (Ionian) from one C root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
Alternate short phrases that land on 3 (E) and 7 (B), then resolve each phrase to the nearest root or fifth.
Improvise over a simple C major progression and target the current chord's root, third, or fifth on each chord change.