Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning

B Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same b natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned B 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
B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale
D major
Tuning
B E A D G B E
Strings
7
Open pitch range
B1 to E4
24-fret range
B1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

7 of the 7 open strings belong to B Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 7 B (1), string 6 E (4), string 5 A (b7), string 4 D (b3), string 3 G (b6), string 2 B (1), and string 1 E (4). B roots occur on open strings 7 and 2.

String 7B1
String 6E4
String 5Ab7
String 4Db3
String 3Gb6
String 2B1
String 1E4

First root on each string

String 7Open
String 6Fret 7
String 5Fret 2
String 4Fret 9
String 3Fret 4
String 2Open
String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the B root at fret 0. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

OpenB1
Fret 2C#2
Fret 3Db3
Fret 5E4
Fret 7F#5
Fret 8Gb6
Fret 10Ab7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play B Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B on open string 7 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the B root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 0, 7, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

B Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
B Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with B Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale and 7-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings