C# Major Cavaquinho Scale — Standard
Cavaquinho scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Major in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The C# Major scale is the fundamental pillar of Western music, also known as the Ionian mode. On Cavaquinho, it contains the notes C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A#, C. It is characterized by a bright, stable, and triumphant sound, making it the primary choice for expressing joy and clarity. It is the essential framework for building major triads and functional harmony in pop, classical, and folk music. The diatonic chords of C# Major are C#maj7, D#m7, Fm7, F#maj7, G#7, A#m7, Cm7b5. Commonly used in Pop, Classical, Country, Folk, Rock. Notable players include The Beatles, Taylor Swift, John Mayer. Use over major triads, Maj7, Maj9, and any diatonic chord within the key. The default choice for major-key songwriting.
Notes: C#, D#, F, F#, G#, A#, C
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Formula: W-W-H-W-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Standard (D-G-B-D)
Also known as: ionian
Diatonic Chords
C♯maj7 — D♯m7 — Fm7 — F♯maj7 — G♯7 — A♯m7 — Cm7♭5
About Standard Tuning
The cavaquinho is a small four-string Brazilian instrument tuned D-G-B-D, producing a bright, punchy tone that drives the rhythm in samba, choro, and pagode. Its steel strings and small body create a percussive attack that cuts through percussion-heavy ensembles, making it the rhythmic backbone of Brazilian popular music.
The cavaquinho (also spelled cavaco) is to Brazilian music what the guitar is to rock — absolutely essential. In samba, the cavaquinho player provides the rhythmic centro (center) that holds the bateria (percussion section) together. In choro, it takes on a more melodic role, weaving intricate lines between the bandolim and guitar. Waldir Azevedo's 'Brasileirinho' is perhaps the most famous cavaquinho piece, showcasing the instrument's virtuosic potential. The cavaquinho is also the ancestor of the Hawaiian ukulele, brought to the islands by Portuguese immigrants.
Notable artists: Waldir Azevedo, Paulinho da Viola, Beth Carvalho, Nelson Cavaquinho, Luciana Rabello
Best for: Samba rhythm, choro melody and accompaniment, pagode, and Brazilian ensemble playing