Guitar Scale Logic
C# Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale in Open C
Harmonic Minor scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------------| C|---------------------------------0--1--| G|---------------------------1--2--------| C|---------------0--1--3--4--------------| G|---------1--2--------------------------| C|1--3--4--------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The C# Harmonic Minor scale uses C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B♯ and the formula 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7. In Open C tuning, the open strings run E C G C G C from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each C# root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Harmonic Minor sounds dramatic, classical and sharply directional. Try it for neo-classical leads, dark cadences and cinematic themes. Open C is C-G-C-G-C-E from low to high. Its open strings form a C major chord, with C on three strings.
Spotlight the major 7th so the scale does not blur into natural minor. In Open C, use the three open C strings to check the roots when practising in C.
- C♯
- D♯
- E
- F♯
- G♯
- A
- B♯
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- C♯mminor
- C♯5power
- D♯dimdiminished
- F♯mminor
- F♯dimdiminished
- F♯m7minor 7
- F♯5power
- G♯major
- G♯7dominant 7
- G♯5power