C Minor Hexatonic Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
C Minor Hexatonic in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The C Minor Hexatonic scale is a six-note scale that bridges the gap between the minor pentatonic and full modal scales. On Guitar, it contains the notes C, D, Eb, F, G, B. It has a soulful, minor character but offers more melodic flexibility, making it a common choice for blues and jazz-rock soloing. Commonly used in Blues, Jazz-Rock, R&B, Soul. Notable players include B.B. King, Albert King, John Mayer. Use over m7 chords and blues changes. More flexible than minor pentatonic but less complex than full Dorian.
Notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6
Formula: W-H-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 6
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
- C Minor Hexatonic in Standard Tuning
- C Minor Hexatonic in Drop D
- C Minor Hexatonic in DADGAD
- C Minor Hexatonic in Open G
- C Minor Hexatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- C Minor Hexatonic in 7-string
- C Minor Hexatonic in 8-string
- C Minor Hexatonic in Drop B
- C Minor Hexatonic in Open D
- C Minor Hexatonic in Half Step Down
- C Minor Hexatonic in Open E
- C Minor Hexatonic in Open A
- C Minor Hexatonic in Double Drop D
- C Minor Hexatonic in Open C