Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Harmonic Minor Scale in Open A Tuning

C# Harmonic Minor Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same c# harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B#
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to C# Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 E (b3), string 5 A (b6), string 4 E (b3), string 3 A (b6), string 2 C# (1), and string 1 E (b3). C# roots occur on open string 2.

String 6Eb3

String 5Ab6

String 4Eb3

String 3Ab6

String 2C#1

String 1Eb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 4

String 2Open

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11, with the C# root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first C# is at fret 9.

OpenEb3

Fret 2F#4

Fret 4G#5

Fret 5Ab6

Fret 8B#7

Fret 9C#1

Fret 11D#2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C# Harmonic Minor Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E 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 9, 4, 9, 4, 0, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.