- 5th string: not played
- 4th string: not played
- 3rd string: not played
- 2nd string: not played
- 1st string: not played
Swipe the neck for higher frets ›
The C Major scale on banjo uses the notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B, scale degrees 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. In this scale, the root is C, the major second is D, the major third is E, the perfect fourth is F, the perfect fifth is G, the major sixth is A, and the major seventh is B.
Reading the Scale Diagram
Every note of the scale is marked from the open strings up to the 15th fret. The root, C, has a white border and the other scale notes are plain dots. A lightly striped note before the nut means that open string is in the scale. Choose Intervals under the neck to see each note as a scale degree instead of a name: 1 is the root, and ♭3 is a flattened third.
The short fifth string starts at the 5th fret. In Open G its open note is G, degree 5 of this scale, so it rings as part of the scale.
About the C Major Scale
The major scale is the foundation of Western music theory and the most important scale for understanding banjo harmony. In bluegrass, melody lines and vocal melodies almost always follow the major scale of the song's key. Mastering the major scale across the fretboard is essential for melodic-style banjo playing.
Other Scale Names
- Mixolydian ♭6: also called Aeolian dominant, Hindu scale
- Major Locrian: also called Arabic scale, Arabian scale
- Suspended Pentatonic: also called Egyptian scale
- Phrygian Dominant: also called Freygish, Spanish Phrygian, Jewish scale
- In: also called Japanese scale