Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning

Ab Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same ab harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G C E. 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 G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 G (7), string 3 G (7), and string 1 Fb (b6). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5G7

String 3G7

String 1Fbb6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 8. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.

Fret 1Db4

Fret 3Eb5

Fret 4Fbb6

Fret 7G7

Fret 8Ab1

Fret 10Bb2

Fret 11Cbb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets G on open string 5 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 8, 1, 8, 1, 8, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.