Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop C# Tuning

E Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same e minor pentatonic 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, G, A, B, D
Formula: 1 b3 4 5 b7
Semitones: 0 3 5 7 10
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

None of the 6 open strings belongs to E Minor Pentatonic Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low C# string.

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 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10, with the E root at fret 3. On the highest D# string, the first E is at fret 1.

Fret 1Db7

Fret 3E1

Fret 6Gb3

Fret 8A4

Fret 10B5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Minor Pentatonic Scale on the low C# string at frets 1, 3, 6, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest E root each time the line changes strings.
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.