Guitar Scale Logic
A Mixolydian Guitar Scale in Open C
Mixolydian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------2--3--| C|------------------------1--2--4--------| G|---------------0--2--4-----------------| C|------1--2--4--------------------------| G|2--4-----------------------------------| C|---------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The A Mixolydian scale uses A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G and the formula 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7. In Open C tuning, the open strings run E C G C G C from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each A root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Mixolydian sounds major but loose, rootsy and dominant. Try it for southern rock, jam-band leads and bluesy major riffs. Open C is C-G-C-G-C-E from low to high. Its open strings form a C major chord, with C on three strings.
Frame lines around the b7 to keep the mode from sounding like straight major. In Open C, use the three open C strings to check the roots when practising in C.
- A
- B
- C♯
- D
- E
- F♯
- G
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- A7dominant 7
- Amajor
- Asus2sus2
- Asus4sus4
- A5power
- Bmminor
- Bsus2sus2
- Bsus4sus4
- B5power
- Bm7minor 7