Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Harmonic Minor Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning

B Harmonic Minor Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning shows the same b harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned A E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A#
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: A E A D G B E
Strings: 7
Open pitch range: A1 to E4
24-fret range: A1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 7 open strings belong to B Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 E (4), string 4 D (b3), string 3 G (b6), string 2 B (1), and string 1 E (4). B roots occur on open string 2.

String 6E4

String 4Db3

String 3Gb6

String 2B1

String 1E4

First root on each string

String 7Fret 2

String 6Fret 7

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 4

String 2Open

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest A string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the B root at fret 2. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

Fret 1A#7

Fret 2B1

Fret 4C#2

Fret 5Db3

Fret 7E4

Fret 9F#5

Fret 10Gb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play B Harmonic Minor Scale on the low A string at frets 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
Connect the B root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 2, 7, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.