Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Major Pentatonic Scale in Drop C Tuning

A Major Pentatonic Scale in Drop C Tuning shows the same a major pentatonic 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: A, B, C#, E, F#
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 4 7 9
Tuning: C G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to A Major Pentatonic Scale: string 2 A (1). A roots occur on open string 2.

String 2A1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 4

String 2Open

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 4, 6, 9, and 11, with the A root at fret 9. On the highest D string, the first A is at fret 7.

Fret 1C#3

Fret 4E5

Fret 6F#6

Fret 9A1

Fret 11B2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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