Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Melodic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning

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

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

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6C#7

String 4C#7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1

String 5Fret 6

String 4Fret 1

String 3Fret 8

String 2Fret 4

String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10, with the D root at fret 1. On the highest D# string, the first D is at fret 11.

OpenC#7

Fret 1D1

Fret 3E2

Fret 4Fb3

Fret 6G4

Fret 8A5

Fret 10B6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play D Melodic Minor Scale on the low C# string at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C# 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 1, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.