Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Melodic Minor Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning

Bb Melodic Minor Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning shows the same bb melodic minor scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned A E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes: Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, A
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 11
Tuning: A E A D G B E
Strings: 7
Open pitch range: A1 to E4
24-fret range: A1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 7 open strings belong to Bb Melodic Minor Scale: string 7 A (7), string 5 A (7), and string 3 G (6). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 7A7

String 5A7

String 3G6

First root on each string

String 7Fret 1

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest A string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10, with the Bb root at fret 1. On the highest E string, the first Bb is at fret 6.

OpenA7

Fret 1Bb1

Fret 3C2

Fret 4Dbb3

Fret 6Eb4

Fret 8F5

Fret 10G6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb Melodic Minor Scale on the low A string at frets 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets A on open string 7 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Bb root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.