Natural Minor Scales on Piano

The natural minor scale is the second most important scale in Western music — a seven-note scale with a dark, melancholic, and expressive sound. Every major key has a relative minor that shares the same notes but starts on a different degree, creating a completely different emotional character.

Formula: W–H–W–W–H–W–W (whole–half–whole–whole–half–whole–whole)

Intervals: P1–M2–m3–P4–P5–m6–m7–P8

Scale degrees: 1–2–♭3–4–5–♭6–♭7

Sound: Dark, melancholic, expressive, emotional

Also known as: Aeolian mode (the sixth of the seven Greek modes)

Three forms of minor: The natural minor is the foundation, but classical music also uses the harmonic minor (raised 7th for a leading tone) and melodic minor (raised 6th and 7th ascending). Each form serves a different purpose — natural minor for melody, harmonic minor for harmony, melodic minor for smooth ascending lines.

The natural minor scale IS the Aeolian mode

Two names for the same notes — Aeolian is the 6th mode of the major scale. Browse all Aeolian mode keys.

Aeolian Mode pages →

Harmonic Minor Scale →

Natural minor with a raised 7th — adds a leading tone for stronger cadences. Used in classical and Spanish music.

Melodic Minor Scale →

Raised 6th and 7th ascending for smooth upward motion — the foundation of jazz minor harmony.