Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Mixolydian Scale in Drop C# Tuning

Ab Mixolydian Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same ab mixolydian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
Db major
Tuning
C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C#2 to D#4
24-fret range
C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Mixolydian Scale: string 6 Db (4), string 5 Ab (1), string 4 Db (4), string 3 Gb (b7), string 2 Bb (2), and string 1 Eb (5). Ab roots occur on open string 5.

String 6Db4
String 5Ab1
String 4Db4
String 3Gbb7
String 2Bb2
String 1Eb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 7
String 5Open
String 4Fret 7
String 3Fret 2
String 2Fret 10
String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 7. On the highest D# string, the first Ab is at fret 5.

OpenDb4
Fret 2Eb5
Fret 4F6
Fret 5Gbb7
Fret 7Ab1
Fret 9Bb2
Fret 11C3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Ab Mixolydian Scale on the low C# string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Db on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Ab root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 7, 0, 7, 2, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Ab Mixolydian Scale in Drop C# Tuning fretboard diagram
Ab Mixolydian Scale in Drop C# Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C# G# C# F# A# D#.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Ab Mixolydian Scale and drop c# tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings