Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning

A Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning shows the same a major (ionian) scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned G D G C F A D. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes
A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 11
Parent scale
A major
Tuning
G D G C F A D
Strings
7
Open pitch range
G1 to D4
24-fret range
G1 to D6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 7 open strings belong to A Major (Ionian) Scale: string 6 D (4), string 2 A (1), and string 1 D (4). A roots occur on open string 2.

String 6D4
String 2A1
String 1D4

First root on each string

String 7Fret 2
String 6Fret 7
String 5Fret 2
String 4Fret 9
String 3Fret 4
String 2Open
String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest G string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the A root at fret 2. On the highest D string, the first A is at fret 7.

Fret 1G#7
Fret 2A1
Fret 4B2
Fret 6C#3
Fret 7D4
Fret 9E5
Fret 11F#6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

A Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning fretboard diagram
A Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing G D G C F A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with A Major (Ionian) Scale and 7-string drop g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings