Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in Open C Tuning

Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same bb major pentatonic 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
Bb, C, D, F, G
Formula
1 2 3 5 6
Semitones
0 2 4 7 9
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

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 G (6), and string 2 C (2). 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 3G6
String 2C2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10
String 5Fret 3
String 4Fret 10
String 3Fret 3
String 2Fret 10
String 1Fret 6

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 E string, the first Bb is at fret 6.

OpenC2
Fret 2D3
Fret 5F5
Fret 7G6
Fret 10Bb1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. 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.
  2. Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Bb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 3, 10, 3, 10, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in Open C Tuning fretboard diagram
Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in Open C Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C G C G C E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Bb Major Pentatonic Scale and open c tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings