Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Harmonic Minor Scale in Open G Tuning

Ab Harmonic Minor Scale in Open G Tuning shows the same ab harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D G D G B 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: D G D G B D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

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 2 Cb (b3). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5G7

String 3G7

String 2Cbb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 6. On the highest D string, the first Ab is at fret 6.

Fret 1Eb5

Fret 2Fbb6

Fret 5G7

Fret 6Ab1

Fret 8Bb2

Fret 9Cbb3

Fret 11Db4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Harmonic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 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 6, 1, 6, 1, 9, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.