Tuning-specific scale diagram

Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop D Tuning

Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same eb natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B E. 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: D A D G B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to E4
24-fret range: D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 2Cbb6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1

String 5Fret 6

String 4Fret 1

String 3Fret 8

String 2Fret 4

String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

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

Fret 1Eb1

Fret 3F2

Fret 4Gbb3

Fret 6Ab4

Fret 8Bb5

Fret 9Cbb6

Fret 11Dbb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Eb Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Cb 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 1, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.