Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Harmonic Minor Scale in DADGAD Tuning

B Harmonic Minor Scale in DADGAD Tuning shows the same b harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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
D A D G A D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to B Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 D (b3), string 4 D (b3), string 3 G (b6), and string 1 D (b3). None of those open-string tones is the B root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Db3
String 4Db3
String 3Gb6
String 1Db3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9
String 5Fret 2
String 4Fret 9
String 3Fret 4
String 2Fret 2
String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

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

OpenDb3
Fret 2E4
Fret 4F#5
Fret 5Gb6
Fret 8A#7
Fret 9B1
Fret 11C#2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play B Harmonic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the B root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 2, 9, 4, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

B Harmonic Minor Scale in DADGAD Tuning fretboard diagram
B Harmonic Minor Scale in DADGAD Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D G A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with B Harmonic Minor Scale and dadgad tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

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Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings