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Natural Minor Scale

 

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Last updated on: 2009-08-19 4:17 PM

A natural minor scale is a seven note diatonic scale with a numeric formula of 1-2-Flat symbol3-4-5-Flat symbol6-Flat symbol7-8/1 and is the sixth of seven modes of the major scale and is given the name of Aeolian. Another way to think of a natural minor scale is simply a major scale started on the sixth degree and finished on the sixth an octave above. This is why the term "Natural" precedes minor as it is a naturally occurring minor scale derived from major.

When reading manuscript or charts, if the composer gives no other description other than "Minor" then you can safely assume it to mean a natural minor although there are two other scales that should be considered, which are melodic minor (also known as Jazz minor) and harmonic minor.

The natural minor scale patterns below are referenced as numbers #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 which you will find correspond directly with the chord patterns and reading positions of the same number, for instance: minor chord pattern #4 is built from minor scale pattern #4 and both belong to reading position #4. The 5 positions cover the entire neck which gives us a structure to memorize scales and chords.

Natural Minor Scale Profile

Numeric Formula 1-2-Flat symbol3-4-5-Flat symbol6-Flat symbol7-8/1
Notation Formula (key of A) A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A/1
Stepping whole / half / whole / whole / half / whole / whole
Tonal tone / semi-tone / tone / tone / semi-tone / tone / tone
Harmonized Triads (key of A) Ami / BDiminished symbol / CMA / Dmi / Emi / FMA / GMA
Harmonized Tetrads (key of C) Ami7 / Bmi7(Flat symbol5) / CMA7 / Dmi7 / Emi7 / FMA7 / G7

Natural Minor Scale Patterns

The scales below are not shown in any particular key, they are patterns which can be moved around the guitar neck freely using the tonic (circled dot) as your navigator. See example below.

  • How to use
  • As an example, let's say you require a D major scale
  • After playing all the major scale patterns, you decide on pattern #2
  • Pattern #2 has it's root on the 5th string so you need to find the D note on this string
  • Click the notes on the neck chart tab and find the D note on the 5th fret (5th string)
  • Now play the D major scale using pattern #2 on the 5th fret
  • Use the Octave chart tab to help you remember which notes are where
  • Use the Scale chart help tab if your a beginner at reading scale charts
Natural minor scale pattern 1
Natural minor scale pattern 2
Natural minor scale pattern 3
Natural minor scale pattern 4
Natural minor scale pattern 5
Scale chart help
Notes on the guitar neck chart (lite version)
Octaves chart

Using octaves to learn notes on the guitar neck

  1. First determine which chord you require, let's use a B major chord in this example.
  2. We know the root note is B, (if it were an A major chord the root note would be A and for Cma7 it would be C, etc etc)
  3. Using the notes on the guitar neck chart, find the B note on the 6th string, 7th fret.
  4. Now using the major scale patterns chart, look for pattern #4 which has it's root note on the 6th string and play it, your done!
  5. Remember, learning and memorizing notes, chord voicings and scales in this way will improve your playing skills, theoretical knowledge and desirability as a band member.

Natural Minor Scale Audio Sample(s)

To download audio sample(s) for later listening, right click on the MP3 link, then from the context menu that appears select Save Target As (Internet Explorer) or Save Link As (Firefox).

Audio Sample Name Flash MP3
C Natural Minor Scale Pattern #4 c-natural-minor-scale-pattern-4.mp3

Related Lessons & Resources

External Resources