Natural Minor Scale Scale

The natural minor scale creates a darker, more melancholic sound. It's the foundation for minor key harmony and emotional expression.

beginnerMinor ScaleA Minor • E Minor • B Minor

Scale Formula

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

Interval pattern

Scale Notes:

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

Intervals:

Root, Major 2nd, Minor 3rd, Perfect 4th, Perfect 5th, Minor 6th, Minor 7th

Why Learn This Scale?

  • Minor key improvisation
  • Blues and rock solos
  • Emotional ballads
  • Classical minor pieces
  • Folk melodies

Common Keys

A Minor
E Minor
B Minor
D Minor
G Minor

Fretboard Patterns

Pattern 1 (Em Form)

Position 1
Fret 0 - Pattern 1 (Em Form)

Starting fret: 0

Open position A minor scale - very accessible for beginners

💡 Tip: Open position A minor scale - very accessible for beginners

Practice Exercises

Minor Scale Runs

60-120 BPMSmooth transitions and emotional expression

Develop fluency in minor scale patterns

Steps:

  1. 1.Practice ascending and descending patterns
  2. 2.Focus on the minor 3rd interval for characteristic sound
  3. 3.Work on bending notes for blues feeling
  4. 4.Practice in different positions

Music Theory

Parent Scale

This scale is derived from the major-scale

Chord Tones

1
b3
5

Famous Uses

"Stairway to Heaven"

by Led Zeppelin

Key: A Minor

"House of the Rising Sun"

by The Animals

Key: A Minor

"Black Magic Woman"

by Santana

Key: D Minor

Master More Guitar Scales

Expand your musical vocabulary with our complete collection of guitar scales and modes.