Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open C Tuning

A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same a natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G 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: C G C G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 C (b3), string 5 G (b7), string 4 C (b3), string 3 G (b7), string 2 C (b3), and string 1 E (5). None of those open-string tones is the A root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Cb3

String 5Gb7

String 4Cb3

String 3Gb7

String 2Cb3

String 1E5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 2

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the A root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first A is at fret 5.

OpenCb3

Fret 2D4

Fret 4E5

Fret 5Fb6

Fret 7Gb7

Fret 9A1

Fret 11B2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C 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 9, 2, 9, 2, 9, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.