Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open A Tuning

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

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

String 2Dbb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the Bb root at fret 6. On the highest E string, the first Bb is at fret 6.

Fret 1F5

Fret 2Gbb6

Fret 4Abb7

Fret 6Bb1

Fret 8C2

Fret 9Dbb3

Fret 11Eb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low E string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Db on open string 2 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 6, 1, 6, 1, 9, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.