Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning

C# Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning shows the same c# major (ionian) scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned G D G C F A D. 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
G D G C F A D
Strings
7
Open pitch range
G1 to D4
24-fret range
G1 to D6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 4B#7
String 3E#3

First root on each string

String 7Fret 6
String 6Fret 11
String 5Fret 6
String 4Fret 1
String 3Fret 8
String 2Fret 4
String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

On the lowest G string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the C# root at fret 6. On the highest D string, the first C# is at fret 11.

Fret 1G#5
Fret 3A#6
Fret 5B#7
Fret 6C#1
Fret 8D#2
Fret 10E#3
Fret 11F#4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play C# Major (Ionian) Scale on the low G string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B# on open string 4 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 6, 11, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

C# Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning fretboard diagram
C# Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing G D G C F A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C# Major (Ionian) Scale and 7-string drop g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings