Tuning-specific scale diagram

F# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open A Tuning

F# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same f# natural minor (aeolian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: F#, G#, A, B, C#, D, E
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: A major
Tuning: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to F# Natural Minor (Aeolian) Scale: string 6 E (b7), string 5 A (b3), string 4 E (b7), string 3 A (b3), string 2 C# (5), and string 1 E (b7). None of those open-string tones is the F# root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Eb7

String 5Ab3

String 4Eb7

String 3Ab3

String 2C#5

String 1Eb7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 9

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 9

String 2Fret 5

String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

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

OpenEb7

Fret 2F#1

Fret 4G#2

Fret 5Ab3

Fret 7B4

Fret 9C#5

Fret 10Db6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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