Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

G# Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale in Open C

Harmonic Minor scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.

Formula 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Tuning E C G C G C
Scale Notes 7 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
E E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
C
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
G F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
D♯
E
C
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
G F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
D♯
E
C
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
B
C♯
D♯
E
F♯♯
G♯
A♯
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

E|---------------------------------------3--4--|
C|------------------------------1--3--4--------|
G|------------------0--1--3--4-----------------|
C|---------1--3--4-----------------------------|
G|1--3--4--------------------------------------|
C|---------------------------------------------|

0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 15 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The G# Harmonic Minor scale uses G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯♯ 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 G# root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.

Overview

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.

Practice Tip

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.

  • G♯
  • A♯
  • B
  • C♯
  • D♯
  • E
  • F♯♯

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • G♯mminor
  • G♯5power
  • A♯dimdiminished
  • C♯mminor
  • C♯dimdiminished
  • C♯m7minor 7
  • C♯5power
  • D♯major
  • D♯7dominant 7
  • D♯5power