Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Major (Ionian) Scale in Open A Tuning

C Major (Ionian) Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same c major (ionian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. 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 5 7 9 11
Parent scale: C major
Tuning: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to C Major (Ionian) Scale: string 6 E (3), string 5 A (6), string 4 E (3), string 3 A (6), 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 6E3

String 5A6

String 4E3

String 3A6

String 1E3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

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

OpenE3

Fret 1F4

Fret 3G5

Fret 5A6

Fret 7B7

Fret 8C1

Fret 10D2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Major (Ionian) Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E 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 8, 3, 8, 3, 11, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.