Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Major (Ionian) Scale in C Standard Tuning

A Major (Ionian) Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same a major (ionian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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: C F Bb Eb G C
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to C4
24-fret range: C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

None of the 6 open strings belongs to A Major (Ionian) Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low C string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the A root at fret 9. On the highest C string, the first A is at fret 9.

Fret 1C#3

Fret 2D4

Fret 4E5

Fret 6F#6

Fret 8G#7

Fret 9A1

Fret 11B2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Major (Ionian) Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest A root each time the line changes strings.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.