Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

A Minor Guitar Scale in Whole Step Down

Minor scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Whole Step Down.

Formula 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Tuning D A F C G D
Scale Notes 7 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
D D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
A A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
F F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
C C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
G G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
D D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D|------------------------------0--2--3--|
A|------------------------2--3-----------|
F|---------------0--2--4-----------------|
C|------0--2--4--------------------------|
G|2--4-----------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------------|

0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The A Minor scale uses A, B, C, D, E, F, G and the formula 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. In Whole Step Down tuning, the open strings run D A F C G D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each A root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.

Overview

Minor sounds darker, weightier and naturally emotive. Try it for melodic rock, cinematic writing and minor-key rhythm parts. Whole Step Down lowers every string by two semitones. The string relationships stay the same as Standard tuning.

Practice Tip

Stress the b3 and b6 when you want the natural minor sound to land. In Whole Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds a whole tone lower.

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • Amminor
  • Am7minor 7
  • Asus2sus2
  • Asus4sus4
  • A5power
  • Bm7b5minor 7 flat 5
  • Cmajor
  • Csus2sus2
  • Csus4sus4
  • C5power

Related Pages

Related Scales