A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic scale is a streamlined five-note scale built directly around the structure of a dominant seventh chord. On Guitar, its notes are A#, D, E, F, G#. It is a highly efficient tool for jazz and bebop players who need to navigate rapid harmonic changes with rhythmic precision and clarity. Commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Fusion. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, Pat Martino. Use over 7#11, 9#11 chords. Efficient for fast bebop lines over non-resolving dominant chords.
Notes: A#, D, E, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 #3 4 b5
Formula: 4-W-H-WH-W
Number of notes: 5
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# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Drop D
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in DADGAD
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Open G
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in 7-string
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in 8-string
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Drop B
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Open D
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Open E
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Open A
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- A# Lydian Dominant Pentatonic in Open C