A Major Pentatonic Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
A Major Pentatonic in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The A Major Pentatonic scale is a universal five-note scale found in almost every musical culture. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, B, C#, E, F#. It is extremely consonant and easy to listen to, making it the perfect choice for melodies in country, pop, and blues. Its open sound ensures that almost any note played will sound correct over major harmonies. Commonly used in Country, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk. Notable players include Keith Richards, B.B. King, John Mayer, Eric Clapton. Use over any major chord, major key progression, or dominant 7th chord. The safest and most universal soloing tool.
Notes: A, B, C#, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5
Formula: W-W-WH-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: pentatonic
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 Major Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- A Major Pentatonic in Drop D
- A Major Pentatonic in DADGAD
- A Major Pentatonic in Open G
- A Major Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- A Major Pentatonic in 7-string
- A Major Pentatonic in 8-string
- A Major Pentatonic in Drop B
- A Major Pentatonic in Open D
- A Major Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- A Major Pentatonic in Open E
- A Major Pentatonic in Open A
- A Major Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- A Major Pentatonic in Open C