Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop D Tuning

E Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same e harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B E. 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: D A D G B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to E4
24-fret range: D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to E Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 A (4), string 3 G (b3), string 2 B (5), and string 1 E (1). E roots occur on open string 1.

String 5A4

String 3Gb3

String 2B5

String 1E1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 9

String 2Fret 5

String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the E root at fret 2. On the highest E string, the first E is at fret 0.

Fret 1D#7

Fret 2E1

Fret 4F#2

Fret 5Gb3

Fret 7A4

Fret 9B5

Fret 10Cb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Harmonic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets A on open string 5 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 2, 7, 2, 9, 5, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.