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|------------------------------1--| G|---------------------1--3--4-----| C|---------------1--3--------------| G|------1--3--4--------------------| C|1--3-----------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 11 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.
- C♯7dominant 7
- C♯major
- C♯sus2sus2
- C♯sus4sus4
- C♯5power
- D♯mminor
- D♯sus2sus2
- D♯sus4sus4
- D♯5power
- D♯m7minor 7