Tuning-specific scale diagram

F# Melodic Minor Scale in Drop C Tuning

F# Melodic Minor Scale in Drop C Tuning shows the same f# melodic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C F A D. 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 6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 11
Tuning: C G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to F# Melodic Minor Scale: string 3 E# (7) and string 2 A (b3). None of those open-string tones is the F# root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3E#7

String 2Ab3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the F# root at fret 6. On the highest D string, the first F# is at fret 4.

Fret 1C#5

Fret 3D#6

Fret 5E#7

Fret 6F#1

Fret 8G#2

Fret 9Ab3

Fret 11B4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F# Melodic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E# on open string 3 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 6, 11, 6, 1, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.