Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop D Tuning

C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same c# natural minor (aeolian) 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: C#, D#, E, F#, G#, A, B
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: E major
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

3 of the 6 open strings belong to C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 5 A (b6), string 2 B (b7), and string 1 E (b3). None of those open-string tones is the C# root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5Ab6

String 2Bb7

String 1Eb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the C# root at fret 11. On the highest E string, the first C# is at fret 9.

Fret 1D#2

Fret 2Eb3

Fret 4F#4

Fret 6G#5

Fret 7Ab6

Fret 9Bb7

Fret 11C#1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets A on open string 5 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 11, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.