Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in Drop C Tuning

Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in Drop C Tuning shows the same bb major 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: Bb, C, D, F, G
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 4 7 9
Tuning: C G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Major Pentatonic Scale: string 6 C (2), string 5 G (6), string 4 C (2), string 3 F (5), and string 1 D (3). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6C2

String 5G6

String 4C2

String 3F5

String 1D3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 5, 7, and 10, with the Bb root at fret 10. On the highest D string, the first Bb is at fret 8.

OpenC2

Fret 2D3

Fret 5F5

Fret 7G6

Fret 10Bb1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb Major Pentatonic Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 5, 7, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Bb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.