Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in B Standard Tuning

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in B Standard Tuning shows the same a natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B E A D F# B. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale
C major
Tuning
B E A D F# B
Strings
6
Open pitch range
B1 to B3
24-fret range
B1 to B5

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 B (2), string 5 E (5), string 4 A (1), string 3 D (4), and string 1 B (2). A roots occur on open string 4.

String 6B2
String 5E5
String 4A1
String 3D4
String 1B2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10
String 5Fret 5
String 4Open
String 3Fret 7
String 2Fret 3
String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, with the A root at fret 10. On the highest B string, the first A is at fret 10.

OpenB2
Fret 1Cb3
Fret 3D4
Fret 5E5
Fret 6Fb6
Fret 8Gb7
Fret 10A1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 5, 0, 7, 3, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in B Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in B Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B E A D F# B.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale and b standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings