This tutorial is a basic introduction to minor scales and will discuss briefly the natural minor scale and its construction.

The Minor Scale

The minor scale is a bit of a misnomer as there are multiple minor scales that are commonly employed. These are

• Natural Minor
• Harmonic Minor
• Melodic Minor

We shall begin by looking at:

• Why the minor scales matter
• The Natural Minor Scale
• Construction of the Natural Minor Scale
• A Natural Minor Scale example
• Some practical applications of the Natural Minor Scale

The full tutorial also explores deeper topics:

• The Harmonic Minor Scale
• Construction of the Harmonic Minor Scale
• A Harmonic Minor Scale example
• The Melodic Minor Scale
• Construction of the Melodic Minor Scale
• A Melodic Minor Scale example
• How the Minor Scales differ

Why the Minor Scales Matter

• Emotional depth: Minor scales are often described as darker, sadder, or more mysterious than  major scales.
• Expressive versatility: They allow composers to convey melancholy, tension, or introspection.
• Foundation for harmony: Minor scales underpin countless chord progressions, cadences, and melodic lines in classical, jazz, rock, and film music.
• Relative relationship: Every major scale has a relative minor (sharing the same key signature), expanding tonal options – we shall look at that relationship in a subsequent tutorial

The Natural Minor Scale

The Natural Minor scale is sometimes referred to as the pure minor scale. The natural minor scale is the emotional backbone of minor keys. Its structural simplicity makes it the starting point for understanding all minor scales.

It is formed by starting on the sixth degree of a major scale, giving it its distinctive darker, melancholic sound and can be related back to the Aeolian mode of ancient Greek music theory.

The natural minor scale is heptatonic (seven notes).

Compared to the major scale, it has a flattened 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees, which give it its darker quality.

With the rise of tonal harmony in the Baroque period, the natural minor scale became the foundation of minor keys

Construction of the Natural Minor Scale

How do we go about constructing the natural minor scale?

From above we see that it has flattened 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees when compared to the major scale.

This leads us to scale degrees of

1-2-b3-4-5-b6-b7

The step pattern to achieve this is as follows

W-H-W-W-H-W-W

We will look at following this step pattern in the key of A minor below.

A Natural Minor Scale example

If we start on the note of A we get, following the step pattern

W-H-W-W-H-W-W

We get the notes

A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A

This is the A natural minor scale

The same method of construction can be employed starting on any note to result in the natural minor scale for that particular key.

Some practical applications of the Natural Minor Scale

In composition the natural minor scale is commonly used for folk or modal pieces and can be used to create compositions that resonate with listeners

In improvisation the natural minor scale opens different chord/scale relationships that can be employed

The natural minor scale is widely used in various musical genres to create melodies with a plaintive, somber character. It is often associated with emotions such as sadness, melancholy, and introspection, making it a powerful tool for musical expression.

The natural minor scale is commonly used to write melodies that evoke a sense of sadness or introspection.

The scale is integral to many chord progressions, contributing to the emotional depth and mood of a piece. We will look at the diatonic chords of the natural minor scale in a later article.

By incorporating the natural minor scale into their music, musicians can create a rich and varied musical experience that resonates with a wide audience.

Some final thoughts

The natural minor scale is the basis of all of the minor scales, but is only a part of the picture. Some legitimate harmonic and melodic considerations were taken in adapting the natural minor scale and in the creation of both the harmonic and melodic minor scales.

If you’d like to explore this topic in more depth, the full tutorial — The Minor Scale and Why There Is More Than One — is available in the PhysMuse Payhip store for $1.49, and the matching reference sheet can be downloaded for $0.99. If you’d like to support the work behind these tutorials, you can do so on Buy Me a Coffee — your support is always appreciated.