Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Harmonic Minor Scale in Open E Tuning

Ab Harmonic Minor Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same ab harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E G# B 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: E B E G# B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 Fb (b6), string 5 Cb (b3), string 4 Fb (b6), string 3 Ab (1), string 2 Cb (b3), and string 1 Fb (b6). Ab roots occur on open string 3.

String 6Fbb6

String 5Cbb3

String 4Fbb6

String 3Ab1

String 2Cbb3

String 1Fbb6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 9

String 4Fret 4

String 3Open

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 4. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.

OpenFbb6

Fret 3G7

Fret 4Ab1

Fret 6Bb2

Fret 7Cbb3

Fret 9Db4

Fret 11Eb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Harmonic Minor Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Fb 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 4, 9, 4, 0, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.