Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop D Tuning

F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same f natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B E. 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: D A D G B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to E4
24-fret range: D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 3 G (2). None of those open-string tones is the F root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3G2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 6

String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the F root at fret 3. On the highest E string, the first F is at fret 1.

Fret 1Ebb7

Fret 3F1

Fret 5G2

Fret 6Abb3

Fret 8Bb4

Fret 10C5

Fret 11Dbb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets G on open string 3 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 3, 8, 3, 10, 6, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.