Guitar Scale Logic
C# Blues Guitar Scale in Open C
Blues scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------| C|------------------------------1--| G|---------------------0--1--4-----| C|---------------1--4--------------| G|------0--1--4--------------------| C|1--4-----------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 11 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The C# Blues scale uses C♯, E, F♯, G, G♯, B and the formula 1 b3 4 b5 5 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.
Blues sounds gritty, tense and expressive. Try it for turnarounds, blues-rock phrasing and greasy lead work. 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.
Treat the b5 as a passing colour and resolve it quickly for the classic bite. In Open C, use the three open C strings to check the roots when practising in C.
- C♯
- E
- F♯
- G
- G♯
- B
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- C♯mminor
- C♯5power
- C♯m7minor 7
- C♯sus4sus4
- Emminor
- E5power
- Esus2sus2
- F♯5power
- F♯sus4sus4
- F♯sus2sus2