Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Harmonic Minor Scale in Open A Tuning

F Harmonic Minor Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same f 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: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, E
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

4 of the 6 open strings belong to F Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 E (7), string 4 E (7), string 2 Db (b6), 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 4E7

String 2Dbb6

String 1E7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 1

String 3Fret 8

String 2Fret 4

String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9, with the F root at fret 1. On the highest E string, the first F is at fret 1.

OpenE7

Fret 1F1

Fret 3G2

Fret 4Abb3

Fret 6Bb4

Fret 8C5

Fret 9Dbb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F Harmonic Minor Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9, 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 6 through 1 at frets 1, 8, 1, 8, 4, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.