Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning

Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same bb natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E G# C#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: Db major
Tuning: B F# B E G# C#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to C#4
24-fret range: B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 5 Gb (b6), string 2 Ab (b7), and string 1 Db (b3). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5Gbb6

String 2Abb7

String 1Dbb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Bb root at fret 11. On the highest C# string, the first Bb is at fret 9.

Fret 1C2

Fret 2Dbb3

Fret 4Eb4

Fret 6F5

Fret 7Gbb6

Fret 9Abb7

Fret 11Bb1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Gb on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Bb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 11, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.