Guitar Scale Logic
C Mixolydian Guitar Scale in Open C
Mixolydian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------------| C|------------------------------------0--| G|---------------------------0--2--3-----| C|------------------0--2--4--------------| G|---------0--2--3-----------------------| C|0--2--4--------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The C Mixolydian scale uses C, D, E, F, G, A, B♭ 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 C 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.
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- A
- B♭
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- C7dominant 7
- Cmajor
- Csus2sus2
- Csus4sus4
- C5power
- Dmminor
- Dsus2sus2
- Dsus4sus4
- D5power
- Dm7minor 7