Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in C Standard Tuning

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same ab natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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: C F Bb Eb G C
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to C4
24-fret range: C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 4 Bb (2) and string 3 Eb (5). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 4Bb2

String 3Eb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 8. On the highest C string, the first Ab is at fret 8.

Fret 1Db4

Fret 3Eb5

Fret 4Fbb6

Fret 6Gbb7

Fret 8Ab1

Fret 10Bb2

Fret 11Cbb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Bb on open string 4 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 8, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.