Scales
Major Scale Formula
Every major scale uses the same distance pattern: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.
C major example
Start on C and follow the formula: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. There are no sharps or flats because the natural notes already match the pattern.
Why the formula matters
The formula lets you build any major scale from any starting note. The chords in a major key are built by stacking notes from that scale.
Major key chord pattern
IiiiiiIVVvivii°
See the pattern on an instrument
Open Chords & Scales, choose a root, and select Major to see the formula mapped visually.
Open C Major