Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop B Tuning

E Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same e 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: E, F#, G, A, B, C, 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 E Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 B (5), string 5 F# (2), string 4 B (5), and string 3 E (1). E roots occur on open string 3.

String 6B5

String 5F#2

String 4B5

String 3E1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5

String 5Fret 10

String 4Fret 5

String 3Open

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 3

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the E root at fret 5. On the highest C# string, the first E is at fret 3.

OpenB5

Fret 1Cb6

Fret 4D#7

Fret 5E1

Fret 7F#2

Fret 8Gb3

Fret 10A4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Harmonic Minor Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets B on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest E root and two other scale tones.
Connect the E root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 5, 10, 5, 0, 8, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.