Tuning-specific scale diagram

F# Melodic Minor Scale in Drop D Tuning

F# Melodic Minor Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same f# melodic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B 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 6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 11
Tuning: D A D G B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to E4
24-fret range: D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to F# Melodic Minor Scale: string 5 A (b3) and string 2 B (4). None of those open-string tones is the F# root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5Ab3

String 2B4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 9

String 4Fret 4

String 3Fret 11

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the F# root at fret 4. On the highest E string, the first F# is at fret 2.

Fret 1D#6

Fret 3E#7

Fret 4F#1

Fret 6G#2

Fret 7Ab3

Fret 9B4

Fret 11C#5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F# Melodic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets A on open string 5 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 4, 9, 4, 11, 7, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.