Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open A Tuning

Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same ab natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. 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: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 Fb (b6), string 4 Fb (b6), string 2 Db (4), 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 4Fbb6

String 2Db4

String 1Fbb6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 4

String 3Fret 11

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 4. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.

OpenFbb6

Fret 2Gbb7

Fret 4Ab1

Fret 6Bb2

Fret 7Cbb3

Fret 9Db4

Fret 11Eb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 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 6 through 1 at frets 4, 11, 4, 11, 7, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.