Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Melodic Minor Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning

C Melodic Minor Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same c melodic minor scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned B E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes
C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 9 11
Tuning
B E A D G B E
Strings
7
Open pitch range
B1 to E4
24-fret range
B1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 7 open strings belong to C Melodic Minor Scale: string 7 B (7), string 5 A (6), string 4 D (2), string 3 G (5), 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 7B7
String 5A6
String 4D2
String 3G5
String 2B7

First root on each string

String 7Fret 1
String 6Fret 8
String 5Fret 3
String 4Fret 10
String 3Fret 5
String 2Fret 1
String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10, with the C root at fret 1. On the highest E string, the first C is at fret 8.

OpenB7
Fret 1C1
Fret 3D2
Fret 4Ebb3
Fret 6F4
Fret 8G5
Fret 10A6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play C Melodic Minor Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B on open string 7 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the C root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 1, 8, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

C Melodic Minor Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
C Melodic Minor Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C Melodic Minor Scale and 7-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings