Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop C# Tuning

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same a natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. 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: C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C#2 to D#4
24-fret range: C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

None of the 6 open strings belongs to A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low C# string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

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 A root at fret 8. On the highest D# string, the first A is at fret 6.

Fret 1D4

Fret 3E5

Fret 4Fb6

Fret 6Gb7

Fret 8A1

Fret 10B2

Fret 11Cb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A 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.
Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest A root each time the line changes strings.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 8, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.