Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Lydian Scale in Drop B Tuning

C Lydian Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same c lydian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E G# C#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
C, D, E, F#, G, A, B
Formula
1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 4 6 7 9 11
Parent scale
G major
Tuning
B F# B E G# C#
Strings
6
Open pitch range
B1 to C#4
24-fret range
B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to C Lydian Scale: string 6 B (7), string 5 F# (#4), string 4 B (7), and string 3 E (3). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6B7
String 5F##4
String 4B7
String 3E3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1
String 5Fret 6
String 4Fret 1
String 3Fret 8
String 2Fret 4
String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the C root at fret 1. On the highest C# string, the first C is at fret 11.

OpenB7
Fret 1C1
Fret 3D2
Fret 5E3
Fret 7F##4
Fret 8G5
Fret 10A6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play C Lydian Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

C Lydian Scale in Drop B Tuning fretboard diagram
C Lydian Scale in Drop B Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B F# B E G# C#.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C Lydian Scale and drop b tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings