Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop B Tuning

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

Scale notes: G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: B F# B E G# C#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to C#4
24-fret range: B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to G Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 F# (7). None of those open-string tones is the G root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5F#7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, with the G root at fret 8. On the highest C# string, the first G is at fret 6.

Fret 1C4

Fret 3D5

Fret 4Ebb6

Fret 7F#7

Fret 8G1

Fret 10A2

Fret 11Bbb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play G Harmonic Minor Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets F# on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest G root and two other scale tones.
Connect the G root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 8, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.