Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Harmonic Minor Scale in Open G Tuning

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

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to F Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 G (2) and string 3 G (2). None of those open-string tones is the F root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5G2
String 3G2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3
String 5Fret 10
String 4Fret 3
String 3Fret 10
String 2Fret 6
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

  1. 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.
  2. Build a phrase that lets G on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest F root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the F root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 3, 10, 3, 10, 6, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

F Harmonic Minor Scale in Open G Tuning fretboard diagram
F Harmonic Minor Scale in Open G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D G D G B D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with F Harmonic Minor Scale and open g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings