Natural minor scale (Aeolian mode)

What it is

The natural minor scale has seven notes. Its formula: 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. Compared with the major scale, three notes drop a half step: the 3rd, the 6th and the 7th.

When someone talks about “the minor scale”, they almost always mean this one. Its other name, Aeolian mode, comes from the family of modes: it’s the sixth mode of the major scale.

The simplest example is A minor: A, B, C, D, E, F, G. The white keys starting on A.

The relative minor

A minor uses exactly the same notes as C major. A minor is called the relative minor of C major. To find the relative minor of any major scale, go down three frets from the root: G major’s relative is E minor, D major’s relative is B minor.

Same notes, but not the same music: it all depends on which note the melody and the chords settle on.

Its characteristic note

It’s the ♭6 (F, in A minor). That’s what separates natural minor from the Dorian mode, which has a major 6th. The ♭6 brings the sad, almost dramatic color. On the neck, it’s shown in purple.

What about the minor pentatonic?

Take the 2nd and the ♭6 out of the natural minor and you get the minor pentatonic. If you already know the pentatonic, you know five notes out of seven: just add the two missing ones, which slot in between the notes you already play.

Which chords to use it over

Over a minor chord, and over an i–♭VI–♭VII loop. In A: Am – F – G. The F chord contains the ♭6: that’s what makes Aeolian audible.

Where you hear it

• “All Along the Watchtower”, often cited for its i–♭VII–♭VI loop.
• R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion”, another frequently quoted example.
• Countless rock ballads and sad songs.

On the neck

To compare it with the other modes, see The modes. All 12 keys are listed below.