Tuning-specific scale diagram
A Minor Blues Scale in Open C Tuning
A Minor Blues Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same a minor blues 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, C, D, Eb, E, G
- Formula
- 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7
- Semitones
- 0 3 5 6 7 10
- 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
6 of the 6 open strings belong to A Minor Blues Scale: string 6 C (b3), string 5 G (b7), string 4 C (b3), string 3 G (b7), string 2 C (b3), and string 1 E (5). None of those open-string tones is the A root, so the root must be fretted on every string.
First root on each string
Low-string pattern
On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, with the A root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first A is at fret 5.
Practice this tuning-specific layout
- Play A Minor Blues Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, saying each note name and degree aloud.
- Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 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.
Fretboard diagram
Open this diagram in the fretboard tool
Start with A Minor Blues Scale and open c tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard