Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop C# Tuning

Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same bb natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. 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: C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C#2 to D#4
24-fret range: C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 Db (b3), string 5 Ab (b7), string 4 Db (b3), string 3 Gb (b6), string 2 Bb (1), and string 1 Eb (4). Bb roots occur on open string 2.

String 6Dbb3

String 5Abb7

String 4Dbb3

String 3Gbb6

String 2Bb1

String 1Eb4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 4

String 2Open

String 1Fret 7

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 Bb root at fret 9. On the highest D# string, the first Bb is at fret 7.

OpenDbb3

Fret 2Eb4

Fret 4F5

Fret 5Gbb6

Fret 7Abb7

Fret 9Bb1

Fret 11C2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb 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 Db on open string 6 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 9, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.