Tuning-specific scale diagram

Eb Major (Ionian) Scale in Drop C# Tuning

Eb Major (Ionian) Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same eb major (ionian) 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
Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 11
Parent scale
Eb major
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

3 of the 6 open strings belong to Eb Major (Ionian) Scale: string 5 Ab (4), string 2 Bb (5), and string 1 Eb (1). Eb roots occur on open string 1.

String 5Ab4
String 2Bb5
String 1Eb1

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 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Eb root at fret 2. On the highest D# string, the first Eb is at fret 0.

Fret 1D7
Fret 2Eb1
Fret 4F2
Fret 6G3
Fret 7Ab4
Fret 9Bb5
Fret 11C6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Eb Major (Ionian) Scale on the low C# string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Ab on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest Eb root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Eb 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.

Fretboard diagram

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

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Eb Major (Ionian) Scale and drop c# tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings