Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning shows the same a natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb. 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: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: Eb2 to Eb4
24-fret range: Eb2 to Eb6

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 Eb string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest Eb string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the A root at fret 6. On the highest Eb string, the first A is at fret 6.

Fret 1E5

Fret 2Fb6

Fret 4Gb7

Fret 6A1

Fret 8B2

Fret 9Cb3

Fret 11D4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low Eb string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 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 6, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.