Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Lydian Scale in Drop C# Tuning

E Lydian Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same e lydian 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
E, F#, G#, A#, B, C#, D#
Formula
1 2 3 #4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 4 6 7 9 11
Parent scale
B 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

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

String 6C#6
String 5G#3
String 4C#6
String 3F#2
String 2A##4
String 1D#7

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, 9, and 10, with the E root at fret 3. On the highest D# string, the first E is at fret 1.

OpenC#6
Fret 2D#7
Fret 3E1
Fret 5F#2
Fret 7G#3
Fret 9A##4
Fret 10B5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play E Lydian Scale on the low C# string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets C# on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest E root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the E 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.

Fretboard diagram

E Lydian Scale in Drop C# Tuning fretboard diagram
E Lydian Scale in Drop C# Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C# G# C# F# A# D#.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with E Lydian Scale and drop c# tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings