Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open A Tuning

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

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to D Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 E (2), string 5 A (5), string 4 E (2), string 3 A (5), and string 1 E (2). None of those open-string tones is the D root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6E2

String 5A5

String 4E2

String 3A5

String 1E2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10

String 5Fret 5

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, with the D root at fret 10. On the highest E string, the first D is at fret 10.

OpenE2

Fret 1Fb3

Fret 3G4

Fret 5A5

Fret 6Bbb6

Fret 8Cb7

Fret 10D1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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