F Major Blues Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
F Major Blues in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The F Major Blues scale is an extension of the major pentatonic that adds a blue note for extra soul. On Guitar, the notes are F, G, Ab, A, C, D. It blends the happy character of major keys with the expressive, vocal-like slides of the blues, and is a staple in country, swing, and jazz-blues contexts. Commonly used in Blues, Country, Jazz, Swing, Southern Rock. Notable players include B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert King. Use over major and dominant 7th chords in blues, country, and swing contexts. Mix with minor blues for complete blues vocabulary.
Notes: F, G, Ab, A, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 3M, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6
Formula: W-H-H-WH-W-WH
Number of notes: 6
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 Major Blues in Standard Tuning
- F Major Blues in Drop D
- F Major Blues in DADGAD
- F Major Blues in Open G
- F Major Blues in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Major Blues in 7-string
- F Major Blues in 8-string
- F Major Blues in Drop B
- F Major Blues in Open D
- F Major Blues in Half Step Down
- F Major Blues in Open E
- F Major Blues in Open A
- F Major Blues in Double Drop D
- F Major Blues in Open C