Tuning-specific scale diagram

Eb Major (Ionian) Scale in Drop B Tuning

Eb Major (Ionian) Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same eb major (ionian) 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: Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C, D
Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Semitones: 0 2 4 5 7 9 11
Parent scale: Eb major
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 Eb Major (Ionian) Scale: string 2 Ab (4). None of those open-string tones is the Eb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Ab4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 9

String 4Fret 4

String 3Fret 11

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the Eb root at fret 4. On the highest C# string, the first Eb is at fret 2.

Fret 1C6

Fret 3D7

Fret 4Eb1

Fret 6F2

Fret 8G3

Fret 9Ab4

Fret 11Bb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Eb Major (Ionian) Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Ab on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest Eb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Eb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 4, 9, 4, 11, 7, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.