G# Locrian Major Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Locrian Major in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The G# Locrian Major scale is a 20th-century hybrid that combines the stability of a major third with the dissonance of a Locrian base. On Guitar, it contains the notes G#, A#, C, C#, D, E, F#. It was used by experimental composers to create a sound that is both familiar and alien. Commonly used in Experimental, Contemporary Classical, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Gyorgy Ligeti. Use in experimental composition over polytonal or atonal passages. A tool for creating cognitive dissonance.
Notes: G#, A#, C, C#, D, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-W-H-H-W-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: arabian
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
- G# Locrian Major in Standard Tuning
- G# Locrian Major in Drop D
- G# Locrian Major in DADGAD
- G# Locrian Major in Open G
- G# Locrian Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Locrian Major in 7-string
- G# Locrian Major in 8-string
- G# Locrian Major in Drop B
- G# Locrian Major in Open D
- G# Locrian Major in Half Step Down
- G# Locrian Major in Open E
- G# Locrian Major in Open A
- G# Locrian Major in Double Drop D
- G# Locrian Major in Open C