D# Minor Blues Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Minor Blues in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The D# Minor Blues scale is the definitive scale of the blues tradition. On Guitar, it contains the notes D#, F#, G#, A, A#, C#. By adding a chromatic tension note to the minor pentatonic, it creates the dirty and expressive grit associated with Chicago and Delta blues, essential for any player looking to add emotional bite to their solos. Commonly used in Blues, Rock, Jazz, R&B. Notable players include Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy. Use over minor chords and dominant 7th chords in blues. The b5 is a passing tone — linger on it for tension, resolve to 4 or 5.
Notes: D#, F#, G#, A, A#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5d, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6
Formula: WH-W-H-H-WH-W
Number of notes: 6
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: blues
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# Minor Blues in Standard Tuning
- D# Minor Blues in Drop D
- D# Minor Blues in DADGAD
- D# Minor Blues in Open G
- D# Minor Blues in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Minor Blues in 7-string
- D# Minor Blues in 8-string
- D# Minor Blues in Drop B
- D# Minor Blues in Open D
- D# Minor Blues in Half Step Down
- D# Minor Blues in Open E
- D# Minor Blues in Open A
- D# Minor Blues in Double Drop D
- D# Minor Blues in Open C