Tuning-specific scale diagram

Eb Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop B Tuning

Eb Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same eb harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E G# C#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, D
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning
B F# B E G# C#
Strings
6
Open pitch range
B1 to C#4
24-fret range
B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to Eb Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 Cb (b6), string 5 Gb (b3), string 4 Cb (b6), and string 2 Ab (4). None of those open-string tones is the Eb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Cbb6
String 5Gbb3
String 4Cbb6
String 2Ab4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4
String 5Fret 9
String 4Fret 4
String 3Fret 11
String 2Fret 7
String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Eb root at fret 4. On the highest C# string, the first Eb is at fret 2.

OpenCbb6
Fret 3D7
Fret 4Eb1
Fret 6F2
Fret 7Gbb3
Fret 9Ab4
Fret 11Bb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Eb Harmonic Minor Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Cb on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Eb root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Eb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 4, 9, 4, 11, 7, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Eb Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop B Tuning fretboard diagram
Eb Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop B Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B F# B E G# C#.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Eb Harmonic Minor Scale and drop b tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings