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.

String 7B7
String 6E3
String 5A6
String 4D2
String 3G5
String 2B7
String 1E3

First root on each string

String 7Fret 1
String 6Fret 8
String 5Fret 3
String 4Fret 10
String 3Fret 5
String 2Fret 1
String 1Fret 8

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.

OpenB7
Fret 1C1
Fret 3D2
Fret 5E3
Fret 6F4
Fret 8G5
Fret 10A6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. 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.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B on open string 7 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
  3. 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

C Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
C Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B E A D G B E.

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

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings