Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop C Tuning

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

Scale notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: G major
Tuning: C G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to E Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 C (b6), string 5 G (b3), string 4 C (b6), string 2 A (4), and string 1 D (b7). None of those open-string tones is the E root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Cb6

String 5Gb3

String 4Cb6

String 2A4

String 1Db7

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 C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the E root at fret 4. On the highest D string, the first E is at fret 2.

OpenCb6

Fret 2Db7

Fret 4E1

Fret 6F#2

Fret 7Gb3

Fret 9A4

Fret 11B5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest E root and two other scale tones.
Connect the E 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.