Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning

E Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same e harmonic 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: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D#
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 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 E Harmonic Minor Scale: string 3 F# (2) and string 1 D# (7). None of those open-string tones is the E root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3F#2

String 1D#7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 6

String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the E root at fret 3. On the highest D# string, the first E is at fret 1.

Fret 2D#7

Fret 3E1

Fret 5F#2

Fret 6Gb3

Fret 8A4

Fret 10B5

Fret 11Cb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C# string at frets 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets F# on open string 3 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 3, 8, 3, 10, 6, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.