Scale degrees · C major
The 7 of C is B
The 7 (seven) of C is B: a major seventh above the root.
C — the root, 1B — the 7
How to find it
Count letters first, the root included: C, D, E, F, G, A, B. A 7th lands on B.
Then the sound: a major seventh is 11 semitones above C, which is exactly where B is — no sharp or flat needed.
Where you meet it
The 7 is a half step below the root: the major seventh, the 7th of the maj7 chord and the leading tone of the key.
In Cmaj7:
C · E · G · B
The 7 in every key
| Key | The 7 |
|---|---|
| C | B |
| G | F♯ |
| D | C♯ |
| A | G♯ |
| E | D♯ |
| B | A♯ |
| F♯ | E♯ |
| D♭ | C |
| A♭ | G |
| E♭ | D |
| B♭ | A |
| F | E |
Every degree of C
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