E Bebop Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
E Bebop in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The E Bebop scale is the dominant bebop scale, an eight-note extension of the Mixolydian mode. On Guitar, the notes are E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, D#. By adding a chromatic passing tone, it ensures that the most important notes land on the strong beats, allowing jazz players to create fluid, professional-sounding lines. Commonly used in Jazz, Bebop, Swing, Hard Bop. Notable players include Charlie Parker, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, George Benson. Use over dominant 7th chords. The added passing tone ensures that the root, 3rd, 5th, and b7 fall on downbeats during eighth-note runs — the 'trick' that makes bebop sound professional.
Notes: E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7 8
Formula: W-W-H-W-W-H-H-H
Number of notes: 8
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