Tuning-specific scale diagram
C Major Blues Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning
C Major Blues Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning shows the same c major blues scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned A E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.
- Scale notes
- C, D, Eb, E, G, A
- Formula
- 1 2 b3 3 5 6
- Semitones
- 0 2 3 4 7 9
- Tuning
- A E A D G B E
- Strings
- 7
- Open pitch range
- A1 to E4
- 24-fret range
- A1 to E6
Open strings and root positions
6 of the 7 open strings belong to C Major Blues Scale: string 7 A (6), string 6 E (3), string 5 A (6), string 4 D (2), string 3 G (5), and string 1 E (3). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.
First root on each string
Low-string pattern
On the lowest A string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 10, with the C root at fret 3. On the highest E string, the first C is at fret 8.
Practice this tuning-specific layout
- Play C Major Blues Scale on the low A string at frets 0, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
- Build a phrase that lets A on open string 7 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
- Connect the C root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 3, 8, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.
Fretboard diagram
Open this diagram in the fretboard tool
Start with C Major Blues Scale and 7-string drop a tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard