Scale · 7 notes
C natural minor scale — guitar notes & shapes
The C natural minor scale is C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭. 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 (C). High e string on top, like tab. Numbers show the scale degree.
Notes and formula
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | root |
| 2 | D | major 2nd |
| ♭3 | E♭ | minor 3rd |
| 4 | F | perfect 4th |
| 5 | G | perfect 5th |
| ♭6 | A♭ | minor 6th |
| ♭7 | B♭ | minor 7th |
Steps: W H W W H W W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Chords in the scale
Relative scale: E♭ major.
Home key: Cm.
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 C natural minor scale?
- C natural minor: C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭.
- Where do I play C natural minor on the guitar?
- The easiest place is around fret 8, where C sits on the low E string (highlighted in the diagram). The same pattern repeats 12 frets higher.
- What is its relative scale?
- E♭ major — the same notes with a different home note.