Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop C Tuning

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop C Tuning shows the same f 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: 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 G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6C5

String 5G2

String 4C5

String 3F1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5

String 5Fret 10

String 4Fret 5

String 3Open

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 3

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 D string, the first F is at fret 3.

OpenC5

Fret 1Dbb6

Fret 3Ebb7

Fret 5F1

Fret 7G2

Fret 8Abb3

Fret 10Bb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 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 5, 10, 5, 0, 8, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.