Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Harmonic Minor Scale in Open A Tuning

E Harmonic Minor Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same e harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# 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: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6E1

String 5A4

String 4E1

String 3A4

String 1E1

First root on each string

String 6Open

String 5Fret 7

String 4Open

String 3Fret 7

String 2Fret 3

String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 11, with the E root at fret 0. On the highest E string, the first E is at fret 0.

OpenE1

Fret 2F#2

Fret 3Gb3

Fret 5A4

Fret 7B5

Fret 8Cb6

Fret 11D#7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Harmonic Minor Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E 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 0, 7, 0, 7, 3, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.