Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop C# Tuning

C Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same c minor pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: C, Eb, F, G, Bb
Formula: 1 b3 4 5 b7
Semitones: 0 3 5 7 10
Tuning: C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C#2 to D#4
24-fret range: C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to C Minor Pentatonic Scale: string 2 Bb (b7) and string 1 Eb (b3). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Bbb7

String 1Ebb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11, with the C root at fret 11. On the highest D# string, the first C is at fret 9.

Fret 2Ebb3

Fret 4F4

Fret 6G5

Fret 9Bbb7

Fret 11C1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Minor Pentatonic Scale on the low C# string at frets 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Bb on open string 2 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 11, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.