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: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to Eb Major (Ionian) Scale: string 6 C (6), string 5 G (3), string 4 C (6), string 3 F (2), and string 1 D (7). None of those open-string tones is the Eb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6C6

String 5G3

String 4C6

String 3F2

String 1D7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 6

String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the Eb root at fret 3. On the highest D string, the first Eb is at fret 1.

OpenC6

Fret 2D7

Fret 3Eb1

Fret 5F2

Fret 7G3

Fret 8Ab4

Fret 10Bb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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