Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same ab natural minor (aeolian) 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, 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 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

6 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 Cb (b3), string 5 Gb (b7), string 4 Cb (b3), string 3 Fb (b6), string 2 Ab (1), and string 1 Db (4). Ab roots occur on open string 2.

String 6Cbb3

String 5Gbb7

String 4Cbb3

String 3Fbb6

String 2Ab1

String 1Db4

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, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 9. On the highest C# string, the first Ab is at fret 7.

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 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.