Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning

C Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same c natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E G# C#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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: B F# B E G# C#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to C#4
24-fret range: B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to C Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 2 Ab (b6). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Abb6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1

String 5Fret 6

String 4Fret 1

String 3Fret 8

String 2Fret 4

String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the C root at fret 1. On the highest C# string, the first C is at fret 11.

Fret 1C1

Fret 3D2

Fret 4Ebb3

Fret 6F4

Fret 8G5

Fret 9Abb6

Fret 11Bbb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Ab on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.