A Double Harmonic Major Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
A Double Harmonic Major in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The A Double Harmonic Major scale, commonly known as the Byzantine scale, is a perfectly balanced seven-note scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, Bb, C#, D, E, F, G#. It offers an extreme exotic tension with two augmented seconds, used to create iconic surf-rock and Middle Eastern themes. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Surf Rock, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Dick Dale, Rainbow, Marty Friedman. Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and surf rock contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to an otherwise major framework.
Notes: A, Bb, C#, D, E, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: gypsy
About Drop C Tuning
Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.
From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.
Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red
Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A Double Harmonic Major in Standard Tuning
- A Double Harmonic Major in Drop D
- A Double Harmonic Major in DADGAD
- A Double Harmonic Major in Open G
- A Double Harmonic Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Double Harmonic Major in 7-string
- A Double Harmonic Major in 8-string
- A Double Harmonic Major in Drop B
- A Double Harmonic Major in Open D
- A Double Harmonic Major in Half Step Down
- A Double Harmonic Major in Open E
- A Double Harmonic Major in Open A
- A Double Harmonic Major in Double Drop D
- A Double Harmonic Major in Open C