Natural Minor Scales

The scale is often interpreted as more melancholic scale in relationship with the major scale. However some up-tempo pieces are written in this sort of scale.

This lesson is based upon what's we've learned about the major scales. Click here to learn about the scales.

While there is only one sort of major scales three different variations of the minor ones exist.

If we start to play a major scale from its sixth note we get its parallel natural minor one. (Natural? yeah, I'll explain later...)
So If we take C major for, starting from A (the sixth note)we get the A minor which looks like this.

Let's see what is the order of whole steps and half steps in the scale.

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Bottom line, here's what you have to doin order the get the minor mood going. Start on the first note and follow the formula.

Question

Find are the parallel minor of G major and D major?
Try to play these scales on the piano.

Here's a list that will help you to get to know these scales better.

Here's a free printable version of this list to download.

Click here to continue with our next scale lesson.