B Six Tone Symmetric Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
B Six Tone Symmetric in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The B Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Guitar, its notes are B, C, D#, E, G, G#. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: B, C, D#, E, G, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
Divides the octave into 6 mathematically equal parts — a scale without a home. Perfect for composers who want to intentionally avoid any tonal center.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Standard Tuning
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Drop D
- B Six Tone Symmetric in DADGAD
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Open G
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Six Tone Symmetric in 7-string
- B Six Tone Symmetric in 8-string
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Drop C
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Drop B
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Open D
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Half Step Down
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Open E
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Open A
- B Six Tone Symmetric in Double Drop D