C major

C major
Chord symbol (s) :	C.
Parallel Tone :	A minor
Dominant :	G major
Subdominant :	F major
Scale :	c - d - e ^ f - g - a - h ^ c

C major is a key of the musical scale major based on the fundamental building c. The key of C major is in the notation without sign posted. The corresponding scale and the basic chord of this key (the tonic ceg) are also denoted by the term C major.

C major is often described as bright, clear, festive, or the key of "simplicity", albeit less glossy than the sharp keys . Compare the article Key Character .

Since there are no accidentals to be observed, there are, for example, a particularly large number of easy pieces for beginners in C major - the same applies to the parallel key A minor. In most of the harmony textbooks, C major / A minor is used as the starting point and heavier keys are introduced later (usually via a progression based on the circle of fifths). One of the few harmony teachings that deviates from this methodology is Frank Sikora's “New Jazz Harmony Teaching” .

C major is the simplest scale on keyboard instruments, but less easy to implement on transposing wind instruments. For example, on a trumpet or clarinet in Bb, the B flat major scale is much easier to play.

The title of the piece In C by Terry Riley refers to the key of C major.