Help with keys and chords

[Cody Dusenberry]

So I was trying to do some improvisation using simple chords, scale patterns, and different techniques in a guitar that is tuned in drop C. I was aiming to be in the key of C and as I was playing I noticed that I was playing chords and scales that would be in the correct positions for the key of C on a guitar in standard tuning. My question which may sound kinda stupid is would I still be able to say I'm playing in the key of C or since I was tuned to drop C would it be completely different? To add on to this if I play a chord, I'll just use a C major as an example, in the open position of a guitar tuned to drop C could I still call it a C major chord?

 

[Jesse Salmons]

By drop C, im assuming you mean C standard? So that being said from low to High: C F A# D# G C. In that case, it would be a G# major if im not mistaken.

 

[Calvin Phillips]

So I was trying to do some improvisation using simple chords, scale patterns, and different techniques in a guitar that is tuned in drop C. I was aiming to be in the key of C and as I was playing I noticed that I was playing chords and scales that would be in the correct positions for the key of C on a guitar in standard tuning. My question which may sound kinda stupid is would I still be able to say I'm playing in the key of C or since I was tuned to drop C would it be completely different? To add on to this if I play a chord, I'll just use a C major as an example, in the open position of a guitar tuned to drop C could I still call it a C major chord?

If you're chords relate to the notes.om the c string (3rd) then yes they are part of the same scale. Since those two strings are the same.the power chords that match the notes should be the same.

 

[idssdi]

Scales and chords are not defined by position, they are defined by notes that are in the scale. If you change the tuning of your guitar the positions of these notes change as well.

 

[Dominik Gräber]

By drop C, im assuming you mean C standard? So that being said from low to High: C F A# D# G C. In that case, it would be a G# major if im not mistaken.

I was assuming he MEANS drop C? So C G C F A D. That's a pretty common Tuning in Metal. Most Bullet for my Valentine is in Drop C

 

[Jesse Salmons]

I was assuming he MEANS drop C? So C G C F A D. That's a pretty common Tuning in Metal. Most Bullet for my Valentine is in Drop C

Hell dude theres so many different names for certain tunings its hard telling what people mean anymore

 

[Dominik Gräber]

Hell dude theres so many different names for certain tunings its hard telling what people mean anymore

There is? All I basicly come across are standard or drop tunings, with drop tuning being the lowest string dropped a full step down.

 

[Lindsey]

So I was trying to do some improvisation using simple chords, scale patterns, and different techniques in a guitar that is tuned in drop C. I was aiming to be in the key of C and as I was playing I noticed that I was playing chords and scales that would be in the correct positions for the key of C on a guitar in standard tuning. My question which may sound kinda stupid is would I still be able to say I'm playing in the key of C or since I was tuned to drop C would it be completely different? To add on to this if I play a chord, I'll just use a C major as an example, in the open position of a guitar tuned to drop C could I still call it a C major chord?

You mean you're playing the ''c'' on the 5th fret g string? Drop C tuning is two half steps lower than E standard, so that would be an A#. The lowest string is 4 half steps lower. The open chord is also an A#. To play the C you'd have to go two fret higher. It's not in the key of C, but if it sounds good it sounds good.

 

[Moonrunner]

The way I learned it, a scale is formed by a code of whole tones and semitones.
if you arrange this you got a scale, for instance:
W-W-S-W-W-W-S would be the code for the mayor scale. Which key? everyone of them.
Modes would be starting from any note from this code: if we start on the first Semitone, it would be the phrygian mode (S-W-W-W-S-W-W)

So in a guitar, you can play the scale code anywhere, no matter the tuning, you are tuned to drop C, you just need to move your hand accordingly to the note you want. The "position" you used for C mayor chord is not the same in Drop C tuning as in Standard E.

You can still play that chord in drop C thought. Check some lessons on the CAGED system and the relatives positons.

Also check this link!

Guitar Chords in Drop C Tuning | Chord Charts

Chord charts and voicings for Drop C tuning. Free guitar chord charts, fully printable.

www.jamplay.com

 

[Jesse Salmons]

There is? All I basicly come across are standard or drop tunings, with drop tuning being the lowest string dropped a full step down.

Yeah ive heard people refer to C standard as Drop C, and vice versa when i was learning how to drop down to that to play dethklok stuff. Really confused me at first