Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning

D Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same d harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G C E. 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: C G C G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to D Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 G (4), string 3 G (4), and string 1 E (2). None of those open-string tones is the D root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5G4

String 3G4

String 1E2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 7

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the D root at fret 2. On the highest E string, the first D is at fret 10.

Fret 1C#7

Fret 2D1

Fret 4E2

Fret 5Fb3

Fret 7G4

Fret 9A5

Fret 10Bbb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play D Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets G on open string 5 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 2, 7, 2, 7, 2, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.