C major and the major scale formula

Key idea A major scale follows whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. C major uses only white keys: C D E F G A B C.

A scale is a set of notes stepping up from one note to the same letter an octave higher. The major scale is the bright, familiar one: "Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do".

Each note in the scale has a degree from 1 to 7. Degree 1 is the tonic, the "home" note. Songs in C major usually end on C.

Using the formula for other scales

Start on any note, apply the same formula, and you get a major scale. G major needs F♯ to keep the half step between degrees 7 and 8.

F major needs B♭ to make the half step between degrees 3 and 4.