Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open E Tuning

C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same c# natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E 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: E B E G# B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 E (b3), string 5 B (b7), string 4 E (b3), string 3 G# (5), 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 6Eb3

String 5Bb7

String 4Eb3

String 3G#5

String 2Bb7

String 1Eb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the C# root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first C# is at fret 9.

OpenEb3

Fret 2F#4

Fret 4G#5

Fret 5Ab6

Fret 7Bb7

Fret 9C#1

Fret 11D#2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E on open string 6 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 9, 2, 9, 5, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.