Tuning-specific scale diagram
C Major Pentatonic Scale in Open G Tuning
C Major Pentatonic Scale in Open G Tuning shows the same c major pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D G D G B D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.
- Scale notes
- C, D, E, G, A
- Formula
- 1 2 3 5 6
- Semitones
- 0 2 4 7 9
- Tuning
- D G D G B D
- Strings
- 6
- Open pitch range
- D2 to D4
- 24-fret range
- D2 to D6
Open strings and root positions
5 of the 6 open strings belong to C Major Pentatonic Scale: string 6 D (2), string 5 G (5), string 4 D (2), string 3 G (5), and string 1 D (2). 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 D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 5, 7, and 10, with the C root at fret 10. On the highest D string, the first C is at fret 10.
Practice this tuning-specific layout
- Play C Major Pentatonic Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 5, 7, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
- Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
- Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 5, 10, 5, 1, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.
Fretboard diagram
Open this diagram in the fretboard tool
Start with C Major Pentatonic Scale and open g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard