Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Lydian Scale in Open C Tuning

C# Lydian Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same c# lydian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G 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 6 7 9 11
Parent scale
G# major
Tuning
C G C G C E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C2 to E4
24-fret range
C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to C# Lydian Scale: string 6 B# (7), string 5 F## (#4), string 4 B# (7), string 3 F## (#4), and string 2 B# (7). None of those open-string tones is the C# root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6B#7
String 5F###4
String 4B#7
String 3F###4
String 2B#7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1
String 5Fret 6
String 4Fret 1
String 3Fret 6
String 2Fret 1
String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the C# root at fret 1. On the highest E string, the first C# is at fret 9.

OpenB#7
Fret 1C#1
Fret 3D#2
Fret 5E#3
Fret 7F###4
Fret 8G#5
Fret 10A#6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play C# Lydian Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B# on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest C# root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the C# root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 6, 1, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

C# Lydian Scale in Open C Tuning fretboard diagram
C# Lydian Scale in Open C Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C G C G C E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C# Lydian Scale and open c tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings