Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Harmonic Minor Scale in D Standard Tuning

F Harmonic Minor Scale in D Standard Tuning shows the same f harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D G C F A D. 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: D G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 5G2

String 4C5

String 3F1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 10

String 4Fret 5

String 3Open

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 3

Low-string pattern

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

Fret 2E7

Fret 3F1

Fret 5G2

Fret 6Abb3

Fret 8Bb4

Fret 10C5

Fret 11Dbb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F Harmonic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets G on open string 5 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 3, 10, 5, 0, 8, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.