Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Harmonic Minor Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning

D Harmonic Minor Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning shows the same d harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb. 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: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: Eb2 to Eb4
24-fret range: Eb2 to Eb6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to D Harmonic Minor Scale: string 4 C# (7) and string 2 Bb (b6). None of those open-string tones is the D root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 4C#7

String 2Bbb6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11

String 5Fret 6

String 4Fret 1

String 3Fret 8

String 2Fret 4

String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

On the lowest Eb string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, and 11, with the D root at fret 11. On the highest Eb string, the first D is at fret 11.

Fret 1E2

Fret 2Fb3

Fret 4G4

Fret 6A5

Fret 7Bbb6

Fret 10C#7

Fret 11D1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play D Harmonic Minor Scale on the low Eb string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C# on open string 4 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 11, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.