C Bebop Major Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
C Bebop Major in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The C Bebop Major scale is a classic swing tool that introduces a chromatic link between the fifth and sixth degrees. On Guitar, its notes are C, D, E, F, G, G#, A, B. It is essential for creating the flowing, endless melodic lines characteristic of the traditional bebop era. Commonly used in Jazz, Swing, Bebop. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Kenny Burrell. Use over Maj7, Maj6 chords. Essential for the smooth, flowing lines of traditional swing and bebop over major harmony.
Notes: C, D, E, F, G, G#, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 #6 7 8
Formula: W-W-H-W-H-H-W-H
Number of notes: 8
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
Adds a chromatic link between the 5th and 6th degrees of the major scale, creating the flowing, endless melodic lines that define the swing era.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- I – vi – IV – V (50s Doo-Wop)Pop / Rock — Nostalgia
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- C Bebop Major in Standard Tuning
- C Bebop Major in Drop D
- C Bebop Major in DADGAD
- C Bebop Major in Open G
- C Bebop Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- C Bebop Major in 7-string
- C Bebop Major in 8-string
- C Bebop Major in Drop C
- C Bebop Major in Drop B
- C Bebop Major in Open D
- C Bebop Major in Half Step Down
- C Bebop Major in Open E
- C Bebop Major in Open A
- C Bebop Major in Double Drop D