Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Harmonic Minor Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning

Bb Harmonic Minor Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning shows the same bb harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 8 strings tuned F# B E A D G B E. The seventh and eighth strings extend the pattern into the lower register for wider-range riffs and chord voicings.

Scale notes: Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, A
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: F# B E A D G B E
Strings: 8
Open pitch range: F#1 to E4
24-fret range: F#1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 8 open strings belong to Bb Harmonic Minor Scale: string 8 Gb (b6) and string 5 A (7). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 8Gbb6

String 5A7

First root on each string

String 8Fret 4

String 7Fret 11

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

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

OpenGbb6

Fret 3A7

Fret 4Bb1

Fret 6C2

Fret 7Dbb3

Fret 9Eb4

Fret 11F5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb Harmonic Minor Scale on the low F# string at frets 0, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Gb on open string 8 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Bb root positions on strings 8 through 1 at frets 4, 11, 6, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.