Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Minor Blues Scale in Drop D Tuning

B Minor Blues Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same b minor blues scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: B, D, E, F, F#, A
Formula: 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7
Semitones: 0 3 5 6 7 10
Tuning: D A D G B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to E4
24-fret range: D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to B Minor Blues Scale: string 6 D (b3), string 5 A (b7), string 4 D (b3), string 2 B (1), and string 1 E (4). B roots occur on open string 2.

String 6Db3

String 5Ab7

String 4Db3

String 2B1

String 1E4

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 D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, with the B root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

OpenDb3

Fret 2E4

Fret 3Fb5

Fret 4F#5

Fret 7Ab7

Fret 9B1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play B Minor Blues Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
Connect the B 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.