Tuning-specific scale diagram
C Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning
C Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same c major (ionian) scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned B 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, E, F, G, A, B
- Formula
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
- Semitones
- 0 2 4 5 7 9 11
- Parent scale
- C major
- Tuning
- B E A D G B E
- Strings
- 7
- Open pitch range
- B1 to E4
- 24-fret range
- B1 to E6
Open strings and root positions
7 of the 7 open strings belong to C Major (Ionian) Scale: string 7 B (7), string 6 E (3), string 5 A (6), string 4 D (2), string 3 G (5), string 2 B (7), 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 B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, with the C root at fret 1. On the highest E string, the first C is at fret 8.
Practice this tuning-specific layout
- Play C Major (Ionian) Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
- Build a phrase that lets B 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 1, 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 (Ionian) Scale and 7-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard