D# Lydian Minor Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Lydian Minor in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The D# Lydian Minor scale is a unique scale that blends Lydian brightness with a layer of minor-key melancholy. On Guitar, the notes are D#, F, G, A, A#, B, C#. It provides a sophisticated, bittersweet color that is perfect for modern film scores and emotive jazz solos. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Progressive. Notable players include Danny Elfman, Brad Mehldau. Use over m7#11 chords. A specialized color for emotive jazz and cinematic passages that need emotional complexity.
Notes: D#, F, G, A, A#, B, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-W-H-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
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
- D# Lydian Minor in Standard Tuning
- D# Lydian Minor in Drop D
- D# Lydian Minor in DADGAD
- D# Lydian Minor in Open G
- D# Lydian Minor in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Lydian Minor in 7-string
- D# Lydian Minor in 8-string
- D# Lydian Minor in Drop B
- D# Lydian Minor in Open D
- D# Lydian Minor in Half Step Down
- D# Lydian Minor in Open E
- D# Lydian Minor in Open A
- D# Lydian Minor in Double Drop D
- D# Lydian Minor in Open C