E Altered Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
E Altered in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The E Altered scale is the ultimate dominant scale in jazz. On Guitar, its notes are E, F, G, G#, A#, C, D. It contains every possible altered tension, making it sound extremely dissonant and complex. It is used by professional improvisers to create maximum tension over a dominant chord before a satisfying resolution. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Post-Bop, Contemporary. Notable players include John Coltrane, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea. Use over 7alt, 7#9, 7b9, 7#5, 7b5 chords. The definitive scale for altered dominant chords that resolve to minor. Play C Altered over C7alt resolving to Fm.
Notes: E, F, G, G#, A#, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 2A, 3M, 4A, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 #3 4 #5 b6 b7
Formula: H-W-H-W-W-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: super locrian, diminished whole tone, pomeroy
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
- E Altered in Standard Tuning
- E Altered in Drop D
- E Altered in DADGAD
- E Altered in Open G
- E Altered in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Altered in 7-string
- E Altered in 8-string
- E Altered in Drop B
- E Altered in Open D
- E Altered in Half Step Down
- E Altered in Open E
- E Altered in Open A
- E Altered in Double Drop D
- E Altered in Open C