Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Harmonic Minor Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning

F Harmonic Minor Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning shows the same f harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned A E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, E
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: A E A D G B E
Strings: 7
Open pitch range: A1 to E4
24-fret range: A1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 7 open strings belong to F Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 E (7), string 3 G (2), and string 1 E (7). None of those open-string tones is the F root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6E7

String 3G2

String 1E7

First root on each string

String 7Fret 8

String 6Fret 1

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 6

String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest A string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, with the F root at fret 8. On the highest E string, the first F is at fret 1.

Fret 1Bb4

Fret 3C5

Fret 4Dbb6

Fret 7E7

Fret 8F1

Fret 10G2

Fret 11Abb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F Harmonic Minor Scale on the low A string at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 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 F root and two other scale tones.
Connect the F root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 8, 1, 8, 3, 10, 6, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.