Play the natural minor scale on the guitar
The natural minor scale, also called the Aeolian scale, is the purest form of the minor scale. Its melancholic and introspective character makes it a preferred choice for expressing deep emotions.
Intervals table
| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root | Major second | Minor third | Perfect fourth | Perfect fifth | Augmented fifth | Minor seventh |
| 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 |
| — | +2 | +1 | +2 | +2 | +1 | +2 |
Theoretical construction
The natural minor scale is built following a specific series of intervals that differs from the major scale. The presence of a minor third (3 half steps) instead of a major third (4 half steps) gives the scale its minor character. The important degrees are: I (tonic), III (minor third), V (perfect fifth), and VII (subtonic). This scale is the 6th mode of the major scale (Aeolian mode).
Position examples
Example with A Natural minor
The 2 Main Positions
This scale can be played in 2 main positions on the fretboard. The first position starts from the root on the low E string, the second from the root on the A string. These two positions allow you to cover the entire neck and represent the most common shapes used by guitarists.
Position 1
Position 2
Position 3
Position 4
Position 5
