Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open D Tuning

E Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same e natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D 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: D A D F# A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to E Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 D (b7), string 5 A (4), string 4 D (b7), string 3 F# (2), 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 6Db7

String 5A4

String 4Db7

String 3F#2

String 2A4

String 1Db7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the E root at fret 2. On the highest D string, the first E is at fret 2.

OpenDb7

Fret 2E1

Fret 4F#2

Fret 5Gb3

Fret 7A4

Fret 9B5

Fret 10Cb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D 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 2, 7, 2, 10, 7, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.