Scale · 7 notes
A natural minor scale — guitar notes & shapes
The A natural minor scale is A, B, C, D, E, F, G. The natural minor (Aeolian) scale lowers the 3rd, 6th and 7th of the major scale, which gives it a serious, emotional sound.
On the fretboard
Red = root (A). High e string on top, like tab. Numbers show the scale degree.
Notes and formula
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root |
| 2 | B | major 2nd |
| ♭3 | C | minor 3rd |
| 4 | D | perfect 4th |
| 5 | E | perfect 5th |
| ♭6 | F | minor 6th |
| ♭7 | G | minor 7th |
Steps: W H W W H W W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Chords in the scale
Relative scale: C major.
Home key: Am.
Sound, styles and practice
Styles: Rock ballads, metal, film music and minor-key pop.
- Compare it with the major scale on the same root to hear the three lowered notes.
- Target the root and the minor 3rd on strong beats.
- Start from the minor pentatonic and add the 2nd and ♭6.
Go further with guitar scales for beginners and how to improvise.
FAQ
- What notes are in the A natural minor scale?
- A natural minor: A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
- Where do I play A natural minor on the guitar?
- The easiest place is around fret 5, where A sits on the low E string (highlighted in the diagram). The same pattern repeats 12 frets higher.
- What is its relative scale?
- C major — the same notes with a different home note.