Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Major Blues Scale in Drop B Tuning

Ab Major Blues Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same ab major blues scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E G# C#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: Ab, Bb, Cb, C, Eb, F
Formula: 1 2 b3 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 3 4 7 9
Tuning: B F# B E G# C#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to C#4
24-fret range: B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Major Blues Scale: string 6 Cb (b3), string 4 Cb (b3), and string 2 Ab (1). Ab roots occur on open string 2.

String 6Cbb3

String 4Cbb3

String 2Ab1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 4

String 2Open

String 1Fret 7

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 C# string, the first Ab is at fret 7.

OpenCbb3

Fret 1C3

Fret 4Eb5

Fret 6F6

Fret 9Ab1

Fret 11Bb2

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 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Ab root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.