Tuning-specific scale diagram

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

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same ab natural minor (aeolian) 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, 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: 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

4 of the 7 open strings belong to Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 7 Cb (b3), 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 7Cbb3

String 6Fbb6

String 2Cbb3

String 1Fbb6

First root on each string

String 7Fret 9

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.

OpenCbb3

Fret 2Db4

Fret 4Eb5

Fret 5Fbb6

Fret 7Gbb7

Fret 9Ab1

Fret 11Bb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 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.