Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Minor Blues Scale in Drop B Tuning

D Minor Blues Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same d minor blues 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: D, F, G, Ab, A, C
Formula: 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7
Semitones: 0 3 5 6 7 10
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 D Minor Blues Scale: string 2 Ab (b5). None of those open-string tones is the D root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Abb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 6

String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 6, 8, 9, and 10, with the D root at fret 3. On the highest C# string, the first D is at fret 1.

Fret 1Cb7

Fret 3D1

Fret 6Fb3

Fret 8G4

Fret 9Abb5

Fret 10A5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play D Minor Blues Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 6, 8, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Ab on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest D root and two other scale tones.
Connect the D root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 3, 8, 3, 10, 6, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.