Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Major Pentatonic Scale in Open E Tuning

Ab Major Pentatonic Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same ab major pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E G# B E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
Ab, Bb, C, Eb, F
Formula
1 2 3 5 6
Semitones
0 2 4 7 9
Tuning
E B E G# B E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
E2 to E4
24-fret range
E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Major Pentatonic Scale: string 3 Ab (1). Ab roots occur on open string 3.

String 3Ab1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4
String 5Fret 9
String 4Fret 4
String 3Open
String 2Fret 9
String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 4, 6, 8, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 4. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.

Fret 1F6
Fret 4Ab1
Fret 6Bb2
Fret 8C3
Fret 11Eb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Ab Major Pentatonic Scale on the low E string at frets 1, 4, 6, 8, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Ab on open string 3 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Ab root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 4, 9, 4, 0, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Ab Major Pentatonic Scale in Open E Tuning fretboard diagram
Ab Major Pentatonic Scale in Open E Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing E B E G# B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Ab Major Pentatonic Scale and open e tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings