Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same f 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: 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: 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

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

String 2Abb3

String 1Dbb6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the F root at fret 6. On the highest C# string, the first F is at fret 4.

Fret 1C5

Fret 2Dbb6

Fret 4Ebb7

Fret 6F1

Fret 8G2

Fret 9Abb3

Fret 11Bb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Ab on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest F root and two other scale tones.
Connect the F root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 6, 11, 6, 1, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.