A Natural Minor Scale for Guitar
Key of A • Natural Minor Scale
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Guitar fretboard showing A natural_minor scale. Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Position: full.
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e
E
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Tab Notation
e|----- 0---- 1---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 8----10----12----13----15----17----19----20----22-----|
B|----- 0---- 1---- 3---- 5---- 6---- 8----10----12----13----15----17----18----20----22-----|
G|----- 0---- 2---- 4---- 5---- 7---- 9----10----12----14----16----17----19----21----22-----|
D|----- 0---- 2---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 9----10----12----14----15----17----19----21----22-----|
A|----- 0---- 2---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 8----10----12----14----15----17----19----20----22-----|
E|----- 0---- 1---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 8----10----12----13----15----17----19----20----22-----|
Notes: A - B - C - D - E - F - G
Formula
12♭345♭6♭7
Intervals
R - M2 - m3 - P4 - P5 - m6 - m7
About the Natural Minor Scale
The natural minor scale (identical to Aeolian) is the fundamental minor scale with a dark, sad, and emotional character. It's the most common minor scale, providing the foundation for minor key harmony and melody.
Usage
Ubiquitous in all styles of music for expressing sadness, darkness, or intensity. Essential for rock, metal, classical, and pop ballads. The go-to scale for minor key compositions and emotional guitar solos.
History
Evolved from the Aeolian church mode to become the standard natural minor scale in Western music. It's been the basis for countless classical compositions and minor key songs throughout music history.