Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Harmonic Minor Scale in C Standard Tuning

C Harmonic Minor Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same c harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: C F Bb Eb G C
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to C4
24-fret range: C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6C1

String 5F4

String 3Ebb3

String 2G5

String 1C1

First root on each string

String 6Open

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 9

String 2Fret 5

String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 11, with the C root at fret 0. On the highest C string, the first C is at fret 0.

OpenC1

Fret 2D2

Fret 3Ebb3

Fret 5F4

Fret 7G5

Fret 8Abb6

Fret 11B7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 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 C root and two other scale tones.
Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 0, 7, 2, 9, 5, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.