Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Major (Ionian) Scale in Open C Tuning

A Major (Ionian) Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same a major (ionian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G C E. 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 G C G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to A Major (Ionian) Scale: string 1 E (5). None of those open-string tones is the A root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 1E5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 2

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 5

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 E string, the first A is at fret 5.

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.
Build a phrase that lets E on open string 1 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, 2, 9, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.