Tuning-specific scale diagram

F# Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning

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

Scale notes
F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E#
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning
C G C G C E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C2 to E4
24-fret range
C2 to E6

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 C string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6
String 5Fret 11
String 4Fret 6
String 3Fret 11
String 2Fret 6
String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the F# root at fret 6. On the highest E string, the first F# is at fret 2.

Fret 1C#5
Fret 2Db6
Fret 5E#7
Fret 6F#1
Fret 8G#2
Fret 9Ab3
Fret 11B4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play F# Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest F# root each time the line changes strings.
  3. Connect the F# root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 6, 11, 6, 11, 6, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

F# Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning fretboard diagram
F# Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C G C G C E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings