Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Harmonic Minor Scale in Open E Tuning

C Harmonic Minor Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same c harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E G# B E. 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: E B E G# B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to C Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 B (7), string 3 Ab (b6), and string 2 B (7). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5B7

String 3Abb6

String 2B7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 4

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, with the C root at fret 8. On the highest E string, the first C is at fret 8.

Fret 1F4

Fret 3G5

Fret 4Abb6

Fret 7B7

Fret 8C1

Fret 10D2

Fret 11Ebb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Harmonic Minor Scale on the low E string at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets B 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 8, 1, 8, 4, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.