Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Minor Blues Scale in Drop C Tuning

D Minor Blues Scale in Drop C Tuning shows the same d minor blues 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: D, F, G, Ab, A, C
Formula: 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7
Semitones: 0 3 5 6 7 10
Tuning: C G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to D Minor Blues Scale: string 6 C (b7), string 5 G (4), string 4 C (b7), string 3 F (b3), string 2 A (5), and string 1 D (1). D roots occur on open string 1.

String 6Cb7

String 5G4

String 4Cb7

String 3Fb3

String 2A5

String 1D1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 9

String 2Fret 5

String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9, with the D root at fret 2. On the highest D string, the first D is at fret 0.

OpenCb7

Fret 2D1

Fret 5Fb3

Fret 7G4

Fret 8Abb5

Fret 9A5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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