Guitar Scale Logic
D# 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|---------------------------------2--3--| G|------------------------1--3--4--------| C|---------------2--3--5-----------------| G|------1--3--4--------------------------| C|3--5-----------------------------------|
1-5 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The D# Harmonic Minor scale uses D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯♯ 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 D# 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.
- D♯
- E♯
- F♯
- G♯
- A♯
- B
- C♯♯
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- D♯mminor
- D♯5power
- E♯dimdiminished
- G♯mminor
- G♯dimdiminished
- G♯m7minor 7
- G♯5power
- A♯major
- A♯7dominant 7
- A♯5power