STRINGSCALES

C ionian pentatonic Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F, G, B, C, E at frets 0, 1, 3, 7, 8, 12

A string: B, C, E, F, G at frets 2, 3, 7, 8, 10

D string: E, F, G, B, C at frets 2, 3, 5, 9, 10

G string: G, B, C, E, F, G at frets 0, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12

B string: B, C, E, F, G, B at frets 0, 1, 5, 6, 8, 12

High E string: E, F, G, B, C, E at frets 0, 1, 3, 7, 8, 12

Pick a root note

Pick a scale

C ionian pentatonic

The ionian pentatonic keeps the root, major 3rd, 4th, 5th and major 7th of the major scale. Unlike the common major pentatonic it keeps both half-step tendencies (4 and 7), so it sounds like a compressed major scale rather than an open one. It outlines a major 7th chord with one passing tone, making it a compact source of maj7 arpeggio lines.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

C

I

E

III

F

IV

G

V

B

VII

Same notes, different mode

C ionian pentatonic uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

E pelog

ionian pentatonic in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • A maj7 arpeggio plus the 4th: the root, 3rd (E), 4th (F), 5th (G) and 7th (B); play it as chord tones with one passing note and lines write themselves.
  • Both half steps resolve like the full major scale, the 4th (F) falling to the 3rd and the 7th (B) rising to C, so the five notes still sound complete.
  • Use it over maj7 chords when the ordinary major pentatonic feels too country; the VII changes the register of the sound.
  • Practice the IV-III and VII-root resolutions as ornaments (hammer-ons into the chord tone) for melodic comping in C.

How to play C ionian pentatonic on guitar

Four open strings ring inside this key: low E and high E on the major third, G on the fifth, B on the major seventh, so a drone can sustain under every fretted phrase. Roots sit at fret 8 on both E strings and fret 3 on the A string, which means E-shape and A-shape barres cover the low register two ways. Every note is a natural. Box one anchors at fret 8 and ends at fret 12, so sliding up the low E string sets up the next position.

homeall scalesaboutfaqpricingmicrotonalterms & conditionsprivacy policycookie policy© 2026 StringScales. All rights reserved.