The C major scale is the foundation of music theory generally used in our learning and songs we'll be playing.

It contains no sharps or flats, just the natural notes C, D, E, F, G, A, B. Everything else in music refers back to this scale!

We'll learn it in open position, starting from a C major chord shape.

You already know four of the seven notes just from holding down that chord. The scale gives us the framework for understanding concepts like octaves, scale degrees, and even sus chords.

Main Learning Points:

• Open position fingering: 3-0-2-3-0-2-0-1 across strings 5-2

• Why C major is the musical alphabet starting point

• The concept of octaves: eight notes of the major scale

• Extending the scale further on strings 2 and 1

• Let It Be: a gentle introduction using C major scale notes

• La Bamba: strumming approach for the faster picking sections

• How Sweet Child O' Mine uses major scale patterns

While pentatonic scales dominate electric guitar, the full major scale reveals the melodic possibilities that create memorable hooks. Those nursery rhyme melodies you recognise? They're all hiding in these seven notes.