C Minor guitar scale for left-handed players: how to play all main positions. Convenient tabs and charts next.
C Minor scale is a note sequence in minor tone with a main root note C. These notes are played in a specific order, going up and down in a pattern.
There are three kinds of minor scales:
- Natural Minor: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, and C
- Harmonic Minor: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, B, and C
- Melodic Minor: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B, and C
Scales have many positions and patterns on the guitar fretboard. To better memorize and practice scales divide them into “box” patterns. These patterns are played within 4-5 frets and no more than 3 notes per string.
Next, we will look at the most common “boxes” between 0 and 12th fret. After the 12th fret scale patterns are repeated.
How to Play Left-Handed C Minor Scale
To play C Minor scales on left-handed guitar use the chart below. The symbols indicate on which fret which string to press and which right-hand fingers to use.
Note: The charts below show the basic finger positions. But you may be more comfortable playing a particular scale in a different way. Try, practice and you’ll find the most suitable scheme for you.
To play accurately and quickly, try to play compactly with minimal hand and finger movement.
C Natural Minor Scales Left-Handed
Scale positions are not determined by the fret number as with chords, but by the note at which the pattern begins.
For example, the first position of the C natural minor scale is not played from the first fret of the 6th string, but from the 8th.
For simplicity, I will associate the scale positions with the fret numbers.
On 1st fret:
Start playing the scale with the index finger on the 1st fret of the 6th string.
On 6th fret:
Start playing the scale with the middle finger on the 6th fret of the 6th string.
On 10th fret:
Start playing the scale with the index finger on the 10th fret of the 6th string.
C Harmonic Minor Scales Left-Handed
‘C’ harmonic minor scale positions I’ll also associate with the fret numbers for simplicity.
On 1st fret:
Start playing the scale with the index finger on the 1st fret of the 6th string.
On 8th fret:
Start playing the scale with the index finger on the 8th fret of the 6th string.
On 10th fret:
Start playing the scale with the index finger on the 10th fret of the 6th string.
C Melodic Minor Scales Left-Handed
‘C’ melodic minor scale positions I’ll also associate with the fret numbers for simplicity.
On 1st fret:
Start playing the scale with the index finger on the 1st fret of the 6th string.
On 5th fret:
Start playing the scale with the index finger on the 5th fret of the 6th string.
On 10th fret:
Start playing the scale with the index finger on the 10th fret of the 6th string.
