Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning

E Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning shows the same e major (ionian) scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned G D G C F A D. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes
E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 11
Parent scale
E major
Tuning
G D G C F A D
Strings
7
Open pitch range
G1 to D4
24-fret range
G1 to D6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 7 open strings belong to E Major (Ionian) Scale: string 2 A (4). None of those open-string tones is the E root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2A4

First root on each string

String 7Fret 9
String 6Fret 2
String 5Fret 9
String 4Fret 4
String 3Fret 11
String 2Fret 7
String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest G string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the E root at fret 9. On the highest D string, the first E is at fret 2.

Fret 1G#3
Fret 2A4
Fret 4B5
Fret 6C#6
Fret 8D#7
Fret 9E1
Fret 11F#2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play E Major (Ionian) Scale on the low G string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets A on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest E root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the E root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 9, 2, 9, 4, 11, 7, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

E Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning fretboard diagram
E Major (Ionian) Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing G D G C F A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with E Major (Ionian) Scale and 7-string drop g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings