Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning

B Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same b harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G C E. 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: C G C G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to B Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 G (b6), string 3 G (b6), and string 1 E (4). None of those open-string tones is the B root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5Gb6

String 3Gb6

String 1E4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 4

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, and 11, with the B root at fret 11. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

Fret 1C#2

Fret 2Db3

Fret 4E4

Fret 6F#5

Fret 7Gb6

Fret 10A#7

Fret 11B1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play B Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 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 B root and two other scale tones.
Connect the B root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 11, 4, 11, 4, 11, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.