Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in C Standard Tuning

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same f natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale
Ab major
Tuning
C F Bb Eb G C
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C2 to C4
24-fret range
C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 C (5), string 5 F (1), string 4 Bb (4), string 3 Eb (b7), string 2 G (2), and string 1 C (5). F roots occur on open string 5.

String 6C5
String 5F1
String 4Bb4
String 3Ebb7
String 2G2
String 1C5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5
String 5Open
String 4Fret 7
String 3Fret 2
String 2Fret 10
String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the F root at fret 5. On the highest C string, the first F is at fret 5.

OpenC5
Fret 1Dbb6
Fret 3Ebb7
Fret 5F1
Fret 7G2
Fret 8Abb3
Fret 10Bb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest F root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the F root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 5, 0, 7, 2, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in C Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in C Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C F Bb Eb G C.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale and c standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings