Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Open A Tuning

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same g harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. 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: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to G Harmonic Minor Scale: string 5 A (2) and string 3 A (2). None of those open-string tones is the G root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5A2

String 3A2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 10

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 6

String 1Fret 3

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the G root at fret 3. On the highest E string, the first G is at fret 3.

Fret 2F#7

Fret 3G1

Fret 5A2

Fret 6Bbb3

Fret 8C4

Fret 10D5

Fret 11Ebb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play G Harmonic Minor Scale on the low E string at frets 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 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 G root and two other scale tones.
Connect the G root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 3, 10, 3, 10, 6, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.