Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Harmonic Minor Scale in D Standard Tuning

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

Scale notes: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C#
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: D G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6D1

String 5G4

String 3Fb3

String 2A5

String 1D1

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

OpenD1

Fret 2E2

Fret 3Fb3

Fret 5G4

Fret 7A5

Fret 8Bbb6

Fret 11C#7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play D Harmonic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest D root and two other scale tones.
Connect the D 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.