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: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to A Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 C (b3), string 4 C (b3), string 3 F (b6), string 2 A (1), and string 1 D (4). A roots occur on open string 2.

String 6Cb3

String 4Cb3

String 3Fb6

String 2A1

String 1D4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 4

String 2Open

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11, with the A root at fret 9. On the highest D string, the first A is at fret 7.

OpenCb3

Fret 2D4

Fret 4E5

Fret 5Fb6

Fret 8G#7

Fret 9A1

Fret 11B2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 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 9, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.