Tuning-specific scale diagram

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

C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open G Tuning shows the same c# natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D G D G B D. 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 G D G B D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 2Bb7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11
String 5Fret 6
String 4Fret 11
String 3Fret 6
String 2Fret 2
String 1Fret 11

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 D string, the first C# is at fret 11.

Fret 1D#2
Fret 2Eb3
Fret 4F#4
Fret 6G#5
Fret 7Ab6
Fret 9Bb7
Fret 11C#1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. 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.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest C# root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the C# root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 11, 6, 11, 6, 2, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open G Tuning fretboard diagram
C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D G D G B D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale and open g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings