Tuning-specific scale diagram

Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning

Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same eb natural minor (aeolian) 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, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: Gb 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

5 of the 6 open strings belong to Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 Cb (b6), string 5 Gb (b3), string 4 Cb (b6), string 2 Ab (4), and string 1 Db (b7). None of those open-string tones is the Eb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Cbb6

String 5Gbb3

String 4Cbb6

String 2Ab4

String 1Dbb7

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 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Eb root at fret 4. On the highest C# string, the first Eb is at fret 2.

OpenCbb6

Fret 2Dbb7

Fret 4Eb1

Fret 6F2

Fret 7Gbb3

Fret 9Ab4

Fret 11Bb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Cb on open string 6 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.