Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning

C Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in 7-String Drop A Tuning shows the same c natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned A 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: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: Eb major
Tuning: A E A D G B E
Strings: 7
Open pitch range: A1 to E4
24-fret range: A1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 7 open strings belong to C Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 4 D (2) and string 3 G (5). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 4D2

String 3G5

First root on each string

String 7Fret 3

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest A string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the C root at fret 3. On the highest E string, the first C is at fret 8.

Fret 1Bbb7

Fret 3C1

Fret 5D2

Fret 6Ebb3

Fret 8F4

Fret 10G5

Fret 11Abb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low A string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D on open string 4 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
Connect the C root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 3, 8, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.