C Pelog Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C Pelog Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C Pelog scale is the primary modal system of Indonesian Gamelan music. On Guitar, its notes are C, Db, Eb, G, Ab. Unlike Western scales, it uses intervals that create a unique, shimmering harmonic world that feels ancient and deeply spiritual. Commonly used in Gamelan, World, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Steve Reich, Debussy, Lou Harrison. Use over drones and ostinato patterns. Gamelan music is built on interlocking melodic patterns rather than chord progressions.
Notes: C, Db, Eb, G, Ab
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 b5
Formula: H-W-4-H-4
Number of notes: 5
How to Play C Pelog on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 8 on the 6th (low E) to find your C root note. With only 5 notes, this scale fits comfortably in a two-notes-per-string pattern across all six strings. Focus on learning a single box shape first before connecting positions.
The C Pelog scale contains 3 flats (Db, Eb, Ab). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the C Pelog scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in C. Try a C5 - G5 - Ab5 progression.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the C Pelog scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications.
The C Pelog scale contains 5 notes (C, Db, Eb, G, Ab). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C Pelog
The C Pelog scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore C Pelog Further
- Harmonize the C Pelog scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C Pelog on Ukulele
- C Pelog on Bass
- C Pelog on Piano
Explore C Pelog in Other Tunings
- C Pelog in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Pelog in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C Pelog in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C Pelog in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C Pelog in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C Pelog in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C Pelog in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C Pelog in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C Pelog in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C Pelog in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C Pelog in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C Pelog in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C Pelog in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C Pelog in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)