Definition

1. Noun:
   • The major key with no sharps or flats: In Western music theory, 'C major' refers to the major scale and key signature that contains only the natural notes (C, D, E, F, G, A, B). It is often considered the simplest key as its scale is played entirely on the white keys of a piano.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The beginner's piano book starts with several pieces in C major.
  • The symphony modulates from a somber A minor to a triumphant C major in the final movement.
  • To play a C major scale, you use no black keys on the piano.

Advanced Usage

• "In C major": A phrase used to describe a piece of music or a section that is written in the key of C major.
  • The song's cheerful chorus is written in C major.
• "C major chord": Refers to the triad built on the first note (tonic) of the C major scale, consisting of the notes C, E, and G.
  • Strum a simple C major chord to begin the song.

Variants and Related Words

• C major scale (n): The specific sequence of notes (C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C) that defines the key.
• Key of C (n): A common informal synonym for 'C major'.
• Relative minor (n): For C major, this is A minor, the minor key that shares the same key signature (no sharps or flats).

Synonyms

• Key of C: An informal term for C major.
• C ionian mode: In modal theory, the Ionian mode starting on C is identical to the C major scale.

Related Musical Terms

• Key signature (n): The set of sharps or flats at the beginning of a staff that indicates the key. For C major, the key signature is blank.
• Tonic (n): The first note of a scale, which is C for the key of C major.

Noun

1. (music) the major scale having no sharps or flats