F Lydian Diminished Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
F Lydian Diminished in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The F Lydian Diminished scale is a synthetic scale that blends the ethereal brightness of Lydian with the tension of a minor third. On Guitar, it contains the notes F, G, Ab, B, C, D, E. It is used to create a mysterious, neo-classical atmosphere that feels both ancient and modern at the same time. Commonly used in Film Scores, Neo-Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Danny Elfman, Bela Bartok. Use over m(Maj7), mMaj7#11 chords. A specialized color for neo-classical and cinematic passages.
Notes: F, G, Ab, B, C, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-W-W-H
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
- F Lydian Diminished in Standard Tuning
- F Lydian Diminished in Drop D
- F Lydian Diminished in DADGAD
- F Lydian Diminished in Open G
- F Lydian Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Lydian Diminished in 7-string
- F Lydian Diminished in 8-string
- F Lydian Diminished in Drop B
- F Lydian Diminished in Open D
- F Lydian Diminished in Half Step Down
- F Lydian Diminished in Open E
- F Lydian Diminished in Open A
- F Lydian Diminished in Double Drop D
- F Lydian Diminished in Open C