A Major Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
A Major in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The A Major scale is the fundamental pillar of Western music, also known as the Ionian mode. On Guitar, it contains the notes A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#. It is characterized by a bright, stable, and triumphant sound, making it the primary choice for expressing joy and clarity. It is the essential framework for building major triads and functional harmony in pop, classical, and folk music. The diatonic chords of A Major are Amaj7, Bm7, C#m7, Dmaj7, E7, F#m7, G#m7b5. Commonly used in Pop, Classical, Country, Folk, Rock. Notable players include The Beatles, Taylor Swift, John Mayer. Use over major triads, Maj7, Maj9, and any diatonic chord within the key. The default choice for major-key songwriting.
Notes: A, B, C#, D, E, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Formula: W-W-H-W-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: ionian
Diatonic Chords
Amaj7 — Bm7 — C♯m7 — Dmaj7 — E7 — F♯m7 — G♯m7♭5
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