Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Major Pentatonic Scale in Open C Tuning

E Major Pentatonic Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same e major pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G C E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: E, F#, G#, B, C#
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 4 7 9
Tuning: C G C G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to E Major Pentatonic Scale: string 1 E (1). E roots occur on open string 1.

String 1E1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 9

String 4Fret 4

String 3Fret 9

String 2Fret 4

String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 4, 6, 8, and 11, with the E root at fret 4. On the highest E string, the first E is at fret 0.

Fret 1C#6

Fret 4E1

Fret 6F#2

Fret 8G#3

Fret 11B5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Major Pentatonic Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 4, 6, 8, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E on open string 1 ring, then connect it to the nearest E root and two other scale tones.
Connect the E root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 4, 9, 4, 9, 4, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.