Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in B Standard Tuning

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

Scale notes: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: F major
Tuning: B E A D F# B
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to B3
24-fret range: B1 to B5

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to D Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 5 E (2), string 4 A (5), and string 3 D (1). D roots occur on open string 3.

String 5E2

String 4A5

String 3D1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 10

String 4Fret 5

String 3Open

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 3

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the D root at fret 3. On the highest B string, the first D is at fret 3.

Fret 1Cb7

Fret 3D1

Fret 5E2

Fret 6Fb3

Fret 8G4

Fret 10A5

Fret 11Bbb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play D Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E on open string 5 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, 10, 5, 0, 8, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.