Scale degrees · C major
The 3 of C is E
The 3 (three) of C is E: a major third above the root.
C — the root, 1E — the 3
How to find it
Count letters first, the root included: C, D, E. A 3rd lands on E.
Then the sound: a major third is 4 semitones above C, which is exactly where E is — no sharp or flat needed.
Where you meet it
The 3 decides major or minor. With the 7 it is a guide tone: the two notes that say what a chord is.
In C major:
C · E · G
The 3 in every key
| Key | The 3 |
|---|---|
| C | E |
| G | B |
| D | F♯ |
| A | C♯ |
| E | G♯ |
| B | D♯ |
| F♯ | A♯ |
| D♭ | F |
| A♭ | C |
| E♭ | G |
| B♭ | D |
| F | A |
Every degree of C
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