Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same a 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: 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 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

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

String 6B2

String 4B2

String 3E5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 8

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 C# string, the first A is at fret 8.

OpenB2

Fret 1Cb3

Fret 3D4

Fret 5E5

Fret 6Fb6

Fret 8Gb7

Fret 10A1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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.
Build a phrase that lets B on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.