Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open A Tuning

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

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

String 6E5

String 5A1

String 4E5

String 3A1

String 1E5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5

String 5Open

String 4Fret 5

String 3Open

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the A root at fret 5. On the highest E string, the first A is at fret 5.

OpenE5

Fret 1Fb6

Fret 3Gb7

Fret 5A1

Fret 7B2

Fret 8Cb3

Fret 10D4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E 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 5, 0, 5, 0, 8, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.