Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Melodic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning

E Melodic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same e melodic minor 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, A, B, C#, D#
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 9 11
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

3 of the 6 open strings belong to E Melodic Minor Scale: string 5 G (b3), string 3 G (b3), and string 1 E (1). E roots occur on open string 1.

String 5Gb3
String 3Gb3
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, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 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 3D#7
Fret 4E1
Fret 6F#2
Fret 7Gb3
Fret 9A4
Fret 11B5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play E Melodic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets G on open string 5 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 4, 9, 4, 9, 4, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

E Melodic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning fretboard diagram
E Melodic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C G C G C E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with E Melodic Minor Scale and open c tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings