C♯ major scale
The C♯ major scale, with its seven sharps (C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯), is one of the most theoretically complex major scales. This scale is enharmonically equivalent to the D-flat major scale and represents the sharpest possible major key signature.
The scale follows the major scale pattern: C♯ to D♯ (whole), D♯ to E♯ (whole), E♯ to F♯ (half), F♯ to G♯ (whole), G♯ to A♯ (whole), A♯ to B♯ (whole), and B♯ to C♯ (half). The use of seven sharps, including the rarely seen B♯, makes this scale particularly challenging to read.
While C♯ major is rarely used in practice (composers typically prefer its enharmonic equivalent D♭ major), understanding this scale is valuable for theoretical study and for comprehending the complete cycle of keys in Western music theory.
C♯ major scale details
Information and technical details of the scale.
- Category
- western
- Type
- Heptatonic (7 notes per octave)
- Intervals
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1
- Formula
- 2-2-1-2-2-2-1
- Also known as
- C♯ Ionian scale, C♯ Ionian mode, C-sharp major scale
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the C♯ major scale. Or browse all piano scales.
C♯ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
C♯ melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1
C♯ natural minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-2-2