Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning

C Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same c harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. 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# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C#2 to D#4
24-fret range: C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to C Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 Ab (b6) and string 1 Eb (b3). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5Abb6

String 1Ebb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

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 C root at fret 11. On the highest D# string, the first C is at fret 9.

Fret 1D2

Fret 2Ebb3

Fret 4F4

Fret 6G5

Fret 7Abb6

Fret 10B7

Fret 11C1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C 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 Ab on open string 5 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 11, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.