Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Major (Ionian) Scale in Drop C Tuning

E Major (Ionian) Scale in Drop C Tuning shows the same e 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: 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: 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

1 of the 6 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 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 9

String 4Fret 4

String 3Fret 11

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the E root at fret 4. On the highest D string, the first E is at fret 2.

Fret 1C#6

Fret 3D#7

Fret 4E1

Fret 6F#2

Fret 8G#3

Fret 9A4

Fret 11B5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Major (Ionian) Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets A on open string 2 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, 11, 7, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.