B Whole Tone Guitar Scale — Drop C

Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram

B Whole Tone in Drop C — Notes and Intervals

The B Whole Tone scale, also known as Messiaen's Mode of Limited Transposition #1, is a perfectly symmetrical scale that lacks a tonal center, creating a sense of weightlessness and blur. On Guitar, it contains the notes B, C#, D#, F, G, A. It divides the octave into six equal whole steps, meaning only two unique whole tone scales exist. Popularized by Claude Debussy and used extensively in film scores, it evokes impressionistic, dreamlike atmospheres where no single note feels like home. Use it over augmented triads and 7#5 chords for a floating, surreal effect. Commonly used in Impressionist, Film Scores, Jazz, Ambient, Experimental. Notable players include Claude Debussy, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani. Use over augmented triads, 7#5 chords. Perfect for dream sequences, transitions, and any moment where tonality should dissolve.

Notes: B, C#, D#, F, G, A

Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 6A

Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 #6

Formula: W-W-W-W-W-W

Number of notes: 6

Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)

Also known as: messiaen's mode #1

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.

MetalcorePost-HardcoreNu-MetalHeavy AlternativeDjent-lite

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

← All Guitar scales in Drop C tuning