Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Harmonic Minor Scale in C Standard Tuning

F Harmonic Minor Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same f harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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: C F Bb Eb G C
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to C4
24-fret range: C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to F Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 C (5), string 5 F (1), string 4 Bb (4), string 2 G (2), and string 1 C (5). F roots occur on open string 5.

String 6C5

String 5F1

String 4Bb4

String 2G2

String 1C5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5

String 5Open

String 4Fret 7

String 3Fret 2

String 2Fret 10

String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

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

OpenC5

Fret 1Dbb6

Fret 4E7

Fret 5F1

Fret 7G2

Fret 8Abb3

Fret 10Bb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C 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 6 through 1 at frets 5, 0, 7, 2, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.