B Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
B Harmonic Minor in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The B Harmonic Minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that introduces a strong leading tone. On Guitar, the notes are B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A#. It has a distinctive exotic or Middle Eastern flavor due to the wide gap between its upper notes, and is used to provide the harmonic tension necessary for classical minor-key resolutions. It is a staple in neo-classical metal and flamenco. The diatonic chords of B Harmonic Minor are BmMaj7, C#m7b5, D+maj7, Em7, F#7, Gmaj7, A#o7. Commonly used in Metal, Classical, Flamenco, Film Scores, Neoclassical. Notable players include Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Johann Sebastian Bach. Use over m(Maj7), m7, dim7 chords. Essential for creating V7 → i resolutions in minor keys. The raised 7th provides the leading tone that natural minor lacks.
Notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Diatonic Chords
BmMaj7 — C♯m7♭5 — D+maj7 — Em7 — F♯7 — Gmaj7 — A♯o7
About Drop C Tuning
Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.
From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.
Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red
Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- B Harmonic Minor in Standard Tuning
- B Harmonic Minor in Drop D
- B Harmonic Minor in DADGAD
- B Harmonic Minor in Open G
- B Harmonic Minor in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Harmonic Minor in 7-string
- B Harmonic Minor in 8-string
- B Harmonic Minor in Drop B
- B Harmonic Minor in Open D
- B Harmonic Minor in Half Step Down
- B Harmonic Minor in Open E
- B Harmonic Minor in Open A
- B Harmonic Minor in Double Drop D
- B Harmonic Minor in Open C