The C Major Scale is very unique in that it has no accidentals, which are commonly known as Sharps (#) or Flats (b).
The 7 notes that make up the C Major Scale are all Natural (C D E F G A B C). This makes it very easy to learn. I’m going to show you the C Major Scale starting with the C that is found on the third fret of the A string.
To get a major scale from this C, I must follow the pattern of intervals Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half. (WWHWWWH). Whole steps mean two frets and half steps mean one fret.
How to play a C Major Scale in the 3rd position of the A string.
- Play the C that is on the 3rd fret of the A string.
- Move up the A string a whole step, or 2 frets to the D on the 5th fret of the A string.
- Next play the E that is found on the 2nd fret of the D string.
- Move up a half step to F on the 3rd fret of the D string
- The next note is the G on the 5th fret of the D string.
- Now play the 2nd fret of the G string, which is A.
- Move up a whole step to the 4th fret of the G string to play B.
- Finally, we will finish with the octave of our first C, the C found on the 5th fret of the G string.
You can also watch the video here.
Summary

Article Name
How to Play C Major Scale on Bass Guitar
Author
Donovan Jennings