Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same g harmonic 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: G, A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F#
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 11
Tuning: C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C#2 to D#4
24-fret range: C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to G Harmonic Minor Scale: string 3 F# (7), string 2 Bb (b3), and string 1 Eb (b6). None of those open-string tones is the G root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3F#7

String 2Bbb3

String 1Ebb6

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, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the G root at fret 6. On the highest D# string, the first G is at fret 4.

Fret 1D5

Fret 2Ebb6

Fret 5F#7

Fret 6G1

Fret 8A2

Fret 9Bbb3

Fret 11C4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play G 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.
Build a phrase that lets F# on open string 3 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 6, 11, 6, 1, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.