Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning

A Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same a 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: A, B, C, D, E, F, 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

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

String 5G#7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

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 A root at fret 8. On the highest D# string, the first A is at fret 6.

Fret 1D4

Fret 3E5

Fret 4Fb6

Fret 7G#7

Fret 8A1

Fret 10B2

Fret 11Cb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A 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 A root and two other scale tones.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 8, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.