The C Major (Ionian) Scale

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The C major scale — also called C Ionian — contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, and B.

• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• A
• B

Its diatonic chords are I (C), ii (Dm), iii (Em), IV (F), V (G), vi (Am), and vii° (Bdim).

• I C
• ii Dm
• iii Em
• IV F
• V G
• vi Am
• vii° Bdim

The major scale — known in modal terms as Ionian — is the bright, resolved sound most Western melodies are built on. Its chords centre firmly on the tonic, giving music a settled, "home" feeling.

Open the full explorer in C major →