F Minor Six Pentatonic Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
F Minor Six Pentatonic in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The F Minor Six Pentatonic scale is a variation of the minor pentatonic that introduces a major sixth, giving it a Dorian flavor. On Guitar, the notes are F, Ab, Bb, C, D. It is more sophisticated and soulful than the standard minor pentatonic and is frequently used in jazz and fusion to outline minor chords with a brighter edge. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, R&B. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Erykah Badu. Use over m6, m7, mMaj7 chords. Adds a jazz sophistication to minor chord soloing without fully committing to a 7-note scale.
Notes: F, Ab, Bb, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
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 Minor Six Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Drop D
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in DADGAD
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Open G
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in 7-string
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in 8-string
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Drop B
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Open D
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Open E
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Open A
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- F Minor Six Pentatonic in Open C