Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Harmonic Minor Scale in Open D Tuning

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

Open strings and root positions

None of the 6 open strings belongs to F Harmonic Minor Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low D string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 11

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.
Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest F root each time the line changes strings.
Connect the F root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 3, 8, 3, 11, 8, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.