C Major (Ionian) Scale for Guitar
The scale all Western music theory is taught from.
Built from the classic whole-step/half-step pattern behind every major key. The scale most music theory is taught from . Its shape unlocks the logic behind chords and key signatures . This box sits higher up the neck than the open-position version beginners learn first.
Position 1 — root on the 6th string, 8th fret
e B G D A E 7 8 9 10 11 B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D
Notes: C – D – E – F – G – A – B · Formula: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7
Across the Fretboard — Full Neck
e B G D A E 3 5 7 9 12 15 17 E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A B C D E F G A POSITION 3 0 3 POSITION 4 2 6 POSITION 5 5 8 POSITION 1 7 10 POSITION 2 9 13 POSITION 3 12 15
Positions 4–5 continue further up the neck.
One common CAGED approach; positions vary between teachers/methods.
Every C Major (Ionian) note from the open strings to the 17th fret — the root (white ring) repeats every octave.
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Questions about C Major (Ionian)
What notes are in the C Major (Ionian) scale? The C Major (Ionian) scale contains the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Its interval formula is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7, built from C as the root.
What notes are in the C major scale? C, D, E, F, G, A and B — the only major scale with no sharps or flats, which is exactly why it's the one theory is usually taught from. Every white key on a piano, and the reference point for every other key.
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How it compares