The C major scale is one of the easiest scales for beginners to learn and play because you only need to use the white keys to play it. The notes in the C Major scale are:
C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C
![](https://www.synthesizernotes.com/wp-content/uploads/01-c-major-scale-121.jpg)
Scale Structure
The C Major scale follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps, which can be summarized as:
W, W, H, W, W, W, H
Where “W” stands for a whole step (two keys) and “H” stands for a half step (one key). In the case of C Major, the half step occurs between E and F, and B and C.
Fingering for the C Major Scale – Right Hand
Thumb is 1 and pinky finger is 5.
Right Hand Ascending
- Start with your thumb (1) on C.
- Play the notes in the following order:
- C (1)
- D (2)
- E (3)
- F (1) [cross your thumb under]
- G (2)
- A (3)
- B (4)
- C (5)
Right Hand Descending
When descending, use the same fingering in reverse:
- C (5)
- B (4)
- A (3)
- G (2)
- F (1) [cross your 3rd finger over]
- E (3)
- D (2)
- C (1)
Fingering for the C Major Scale – Left Hand
Left Hand Ascending
- Start with your pinky (5) on C.
- Play the notes in this order:
- C (5)
- D (4)
- E (3)
- F (2)
- G (1) [cross your 3rd finger over]
- A (3)
- B (2)
- C (1)
Left Hand Descending
When descending, again use the same fingering in reverse:
- C (1)
- B (2)
- A (3)
- G (1)
- F (2)
- E (3)
- D (4)
- C (5)
So, the fingering for the C major scale for right and left hand is –
- Right Hand: C(1), D(2), E(3), F(1), G(2), A(3), B(4), C(5)
- Left Hand: C(5), D(4), E(3), F(2), G(1), A(3), B(2), C(1)
Playing with Both Hands
When playing the C Major scale with both hands, you will follow the same finger patterns as described above. This helps develop coordination and dexterity as you practice transitioning between hands.
C Major Scale Songs
- Daylight - David Kushner
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
- Christmas Song: Jingle Bells
- Let It Be - The Beatles
- Merry Christmas - Ed Sheeran and Elton John
- Thunder - Imagine Dragons (Easy)
- Right Here Waiting for You - Richard Marx
- Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
- Flowers - Miley Cyrus
- Paradise - Coldplay
- In the End - Linkin Park
- Imagine - John Lennon
- Save Your Tears - The Weeknd
- Happier Than Ever - Billie Eilish
- Chained to the Rhythm - Katy Perry
- I Had Some Help - Post Malone
- Delicate - Taylor Swift
- Starboy - The Weeknd
- Can't Feel My Face - The Weeknd
- I Don’t Wanna Live Forever - Taylor Swift and Zayn
- Stay With Me - Sam Smith
- Dame tu Cosita - El Chombo
- New Rules - Dua Lipa
- Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots
- Stay - Rihanna (ft. Mikky Ekko)
- Count on Me - Bruno Mars
- Natural - Imagine Dragons
- Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Conclusion
Practicing the C Major scale regularly will help you build a strong foundation in piano playing. Focus on maintaining a steady tempo and using the correct fingerings to enhance your technique.
Piano Notes for Songs
- Perfect - Ed Sheeran (Easy)
- Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
- Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley (Easy)
- Faded - Alan Walker - Notes and Chords (Updated)
- A Million Dreams - The Greatest Showman (Easy - Updated)
- Everything I Do, I Do It for You - Bryan Adams
- A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay (Notes and Chords)
- Diamonds - Rihanna
- Demons - Imagine Dragons
- Let It Be - The Beatles
- Believer - Imagine Dragons (Melody and Chords)
- The Winner Takes It All - ABBA
- My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion (Easy - Melody and Chords)
- The Scientist - Coldplay
- Let Her Go - Passenger
- Shallow - Lady Gaga - Bradley Cooper
- Alone - Alan Walker
Easy Piano Songs For Beginners
- Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley (Easy)
- A Million Dreams - The Greatest Showman (Easy - Updated)
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
- We Wish You A Merry Christmas
- Christmas Song: Jingle Bells
- A Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay (Notes and Chords)
- Let It Be - The Beatles
- My Heart Will Go On - Celine Dion (Easy - Melody and Chords)
- Yesterday - The Beatles (Easy for Beginners)
- Thunder - Imagine Dragons (Easy)
- The Scientist - Coldplay
- Birthday Song - Happy Birthday to You
- Imagine - John Lennon
- Wings - Birdy (Very Easy)
- Yellow - Coldplay (Easy)
- The Wheels on the Bus - Kids Song
- Take Me Home, Country Roads - John Denver (Easy)
- Row, Row, Row Your Boat - Song for Children
- What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
- Dame tu Cosita - El Chombo
Piano Notes
- Say Something - A Great Big World - Christina Aguilera
- Earth Song - Michael Jackson
- Viva La Vida - Coldplay
- Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish
- Please Please Please - Sabrina Carpenter
- Daylight - David Kushner
- Merry Christmas - Ed Sheeran and Elton John
- Shake It Off - Taylor Swift (melody and chords)
- Rockstar - Lisa and Ryan Tedder
- Treat You Better - Shawn Mendes
- Too Good at Goodbyes - Sam Smith
- Unstoppable - Sia
- Ocean Eyes - Billie Eilish
- As It Was - Harry Styles
- Dark Horse - Katy Perry
- Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
- Fortnight - Taylor Swift
- Imagine - John Lennon
- CHIHIRO - Billie Eilish
- Radioactive - Imagine Dragons