Tuning-specific scale diagram

Eb Harmonic Minor Scale in Open E Tuning

Eb Harmonic Minor Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same eb harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E G# B E. 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
E B E G# B E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
E2 to E4
24-fret range
E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to Eb Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 Cb (b6), string 3 Ab (4), and string 2 Cb (b6). None of those open-string tones is the Eb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5Cbb6
String 3Ab4
String 2Cbb6

First root on each string

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

Low-string pattern

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

Fret 1F2
Fret 2Gbb3
Fret 4Ab4
Fret 6Bb5
Fret 7Cbb6
Fret 10D7
Fret 11Eb1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Eb Harmonic Minor Scale on the low E string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Cb on open string 5 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 11, 4, 11, 7, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Eb Harmonic Minor Scale in Open E Tuning fretboard diagram
Eb Harmonic Minor Scale in Open E Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing E B E G# B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings