Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning shows the same ab natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned A 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, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: B major
Tuning: A E A D G B E
Strings: 7
Open pitch range: A1 to E4
24-fret range: A1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 7 open strings belong to Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 Fb (b6), string 2 Cb (b3), and string 1 Fb (b6). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Fbb6

String 2Cbb3

String 1Fbb6

First root on each string

String 7Fret 11

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest A string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 11. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.

Fret 1Bb2

Fret 2Cbb3

Fret 4Db4

Fret 6Eb5

Fret 7Fbb6

Fret 9Gbb7

Fret 11Ab1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low A string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Fb 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 7 through 1 at frets 11, 4, 11, 6, 1, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.