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

None of the 7 open strings belongs to C# Major (Ionian) Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low B string.

First root on each string

String 7Fret 2
String 6Fret 9
String 5Fret 4
String 4Fret 11
String 3Fret 6
String 2Fret 2
String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the C# root at fret 2. On the highest E string, the first C# is at fret 9.

Fret 1B#7
Fret 2C#1
Fret 4D#2
Fret 6E#3
Fret 7F#4
Fret 9G#5
Fret 11A#6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play C# Major (Ionian) Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest C# root each time the line changes strings.
  3. Connect the C# root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 2, 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, 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