The A Minor scale contains seven notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W.
The A Minor scale (more precisely, the A Natural Minor scale) is the first minor scale most pianists learn, and it is the relative minor of C Major. Its notes — A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and A — sit on the seven white keys of the piano, just like C Major. The only difference is where you start and stop: A Minor begins on A, follows the minor pattern (W-H-W-W-H-W-W), and lands back on A. That single change of "home note" is what gives the scale its darker, more reflective character.
Because A Minor and C Major share every note, they are called relative keys — they sound completely different but use identical note material. A Minor's parallel major is A Major (same root, opposite mode). The diatonic chords in A Minor — Am, B°, C, Dm, Em, F, G — show up in everything from Bach to Adele. The classic minor progression i–VI–III–VII (Am → F → C → G) is the backbone of countless pop, rock, and ballad songs, including "Stairway to Heaven" and "Hotel California".
A Minor has two close cousins worth knowing about: A Harmonic Minor raises the seventh note (G → G♯) to create a stronger pull back to A, and A Melodic Minor raises both the sixth and seventh ascending. The "natural" version on this page is the unaltered scale and the most common starting point for understanding minor tonality.
How to Play the A Aeolian Mode
Practice the A Aeolian Mode hands separately at a slow, steady tempo before putting them together. Aim for even rhythm and a relaxed wrist — the goal is a smooth, connected line where every note sounds the same length and volume. Once both hands feel comfortable on their own, layer them at the same slow tempo and only speed up when the joined version is clean.
Right Hand (RH)
Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 — 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = pinky.
Watch for the thumb tuck: the thumb (1) passes under your fingers at note 4. Keep your wrist level and quiet — only the thumb moves under, the hand stays in place above the keys.
Left Hand (LH)
For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1
Watch for the crossover: a long finger (3 or 4) crosses over the thumb at note 6. Lift the long finger over cleanly without disturbing the thumb. Descending the scale, the thumb will pass under at the same spots in reverse.
Practice routine
- One octave, ascending only, right hand alone — slow and even.
- One octave, ascending and descending, right hand alone.
- Repeat steps 1–2 with the left hand alone.
- Hands together, ascending and descending, at the same slow tempo.
- Two octaves hands together once step 4 feels comfortable.
- Increase the tempo only when the previous tempo is fully clean.