E Major Augmented Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
E Major Augmented in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The E Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Guitar, its notes are E, F#, G#, A, C, C#, D#. It provides a shifting, liquid texture to music and is used in modern classical and jazz to avoid traditional tonal resolutions. Commonly used in Jazz, Modern Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. Creates a shimmering, unresolved quality for modern jazz and classical passages.
Notes: E, F#, G#, A, C, C#, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-H-WH-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
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 Major Augmented in Standard Tuning
- E Major Augmented in Drop D
- E Major Augmented in DADGAD
- E Major Augmented in Open G
- E Major Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Major Augmented in 7-string
- E Major Augmented in 8-string
- E Major Augmented in Drop B
- E Major Augmented in Open D
- E Major Augmented in Half Step Down
- E Major Augmented in Open E
- E Major Augmented in Open A
- E Major Augmented in Double Drop D
- E Major Augmented in Open C