Tuning-specific scale diagram
Ab Major Blues Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning
Ab Major Blues Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same ab major blues scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned B E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.
- Scale notes
- Ab, Bb, Cb, C, Eb, F
- Formula
- 1 2 b3 3 5 6
- Semitones
- 0 2 3 4 7 9
- Tuning
- B E A D G B E
- Strings
- 7
- Open pitch range
- B1 to E4
- 24-fret range
- B1 to E6
Open strings and root positions
2 of the 7 open strings belong to Ab Major Blues Scale: string 7 Cb (b3) and string 2 Cb (b3). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.
First root on each string
Low-string pattern
On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 4, 6, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.
Practice this tuning-specific layout
- Play Ab Major Blues Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 1, 4, 6, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
- Build a phrase that lets Cb on open string 7 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
- Connect the Ab root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 9, 4, 11, 6, 1, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.
Fretboard diagram
Open this diagram in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Major Blues Scale and 7-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
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