Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop C# Tuning

A Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same a minor 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, C, D, E, G
Formula: 1 b3 4 5 b7
Semitones: 0 3 5 7 10
Tuning: C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C#2 to D#4
24-fret range: C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

None of the 6 open strings belongs to A Minor Pentatonic 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 8

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 6, 8, and 11, with the A root at fret 8. On the highest D# string, the first A is at fret 6.

Fret 1D4

Fret 3E5

Fret 6Gb7

Fret 8A1

Fret 11Cb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Minor Pentatonic Scale on the low C# string at frets 1, 3, 6, 8, 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 8, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.