how do you classify chords and scales? what makes them C, F, G etc...?

Answer 1

the way you asked the question makes it a little hard to answer accurately but.... a cmajor chord for instance is made up of notes taken from the cmajor scale - specifically the first , third and fifth notes

as for what makes a c major scale - it begins and ends with c - and follows the major "progression" or intervals between notes - (intervals being the size of the step)

of course there are lots of other scales even for C - like c minor - but all scales are named by the note that begins them - thats the root note - and all chords are made up of notes from a scale

when you say "its in the key of C" it means the piece uses one of the c scales, of which there are many

ive always thought that the trouble with learning music is there isnt a good starting point - you just have to pick a spot and start learning and eventually the pieces of the puzzle fit together - but at first it doesnt make sense

Answer 2

The chord or scale is named after the first note or 'root note' of the chord or scale. (the lowest one)