Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same g harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G 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: C G C G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to G Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 C (4), string 5 G (1), string 4 C (4), string 3 G (1), and string 2 C (4). G roots occur on open strings 5 and 3.

String 6C4

String 5G1

String 4C4

String 3G1

String 2C4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 7

String 5Open

String 4Fret 7

String 3Open

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 3

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10, with the G root at fret 7. On the highest E string, the first G is at fret 3.

OpenC4

Fret 2D5

Fret 3Ebb6

Fret 6F#7

Fret 7G1

Fret 9A2

Fret 10Bbb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play G Harmonic Minor Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 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 7, 0, 7, 0, 7, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.