Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning

Ab Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same ab harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, G
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C#2 to D#4
24-fret range: C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 Db (4), string 5 Ab (1), string 4 Db (4), string 2 Bb (2), and string 1 Eb (5). Ab roots occur on open string 5.

String 6Db4

String 5Ab1

String 4Db4

String 2Bb2

String 1Eb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 7

String 5Open

String 4Fret 7

String 3Fret 2

String 2Fret 10

String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10, with the Ab root at fret 7. On the highest D# string, the first Ab is at fret 5.

OpenDb4

Fret 2Eb5

Fret 3Fbb6

Fret 6G7

Fret 7Ab1

Fret 9Bb2

Fret 10Cbb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C# string at frets 0, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Db on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Ab root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 7, 0, 7, 2, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.