A Hungarian Major Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
A Hungarian Major in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The A Hungarian Major scale is a heptatonic scale that provides an Eastern European dominant sound. On Guitar, the notes are A, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G. It offers a unique, exotic brightness that is excellent for adding cultural character to a composition. Commonly used in Classical, Eastern European Folk, Film Scores. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Zoltan Kodaly. Use over dominant chords in Eastern European folk contexts. Adds cultural character to compositions.
Notes: A, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 b7
Formula: WH-H-W-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
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 Hungarian Major in Standard Tuning
- A Hungarian Major in Drop D
- A Hungarian Major in DADGAD
- A Hungarian Major in Open G
- A Hungarian Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Hungarian Major in 7-string
- A Hungarian Major in 8-string
- A Hungarian Major in Drop B
- A Hungarian Major in Open D
- A Hungarian Major in Half Step Down
- A Hungarian Major in Open E
- A Hungarian Major in Open A
- A Hungarian Major in Double Drop D
- A Hungarian Major in Open C