Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Open D Tuning

G Harmonic Minor Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same g harmonic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D 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: D A D F# A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to G Harmonic Minor Scale: string 6 D (5), string 5 A (2), string 4 D (5), string 3 F# (7), string 2 A (2), and string 1 D (5). None of those open-string tones is the G root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6D5

String 5A2

String 4D5

String 3F#7

String 2A2

String 1D5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5

String 5Fret 10

String 4Fret 5

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 10

String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the G root at fret 5. On the highest D string, the first G is at fret 5.

OpenD5

Fret 1Ebb6

Fret 4F#7

Fret 5G1

Fret 7A2

Fret 8Bbb3

Fret 10C4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play G Harmonic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D 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 5, 10, 5, 1, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.