The natural minor scale, often referred to as the Aeolian mode, stands as a cornerstone for guitarists across various genres, especially rock and popular music. Understanding and mastering this scale unlocks a wealth of melodic and harmonic possibilities on the guitar.
This essential scale shares its notes with a major scale but distinguishes itself by starting and ending on the 6th degree of that major scale, effectively making this 6th degree the root. Let’s clarify this relationship with an example using C major and A natural minor.
Consider the C major scale. If we begin and conclude on the note A (the 6th note of C major) and treat A as our root, we are playing the A natural minor scale. Analyzing the intervals of the natural minor scale in relation to a major scale with the same root, we find the following formula:
1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7, 1
This formula indicates that a natural minor scale is essentially a major scale with flattened 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees. The pattern of tones and semitones that constructs the natural minor scale is:
Tone – Semitone – Tone – Tone – Semitone – Tone – Tone
Guitar Positions for the Natural Minor Scale
Just like the major scale, the natural minor scale can be learned across five fundamental closed positions on the guitar fretboard. For beginners, it’s highly recommended to start with the two positions where the root note falls under your first finger on either the 6th or 5th string. These initial positions provide a solid foundation for navigating the scale.
Once comfortable with these starting positions, you can expand your knowledge to encompass the remaining three positions, effectively covering a wider range of the fretboard and enhancing your scale fluency.
To effectively practice these positions, move beyond simply ascending and descending the scale. Incorporate scale sequences into your practice routine. For a deeper understanding of sequence practice, refer to our detailed article on guitar scale sequences. This approach will significantly improve your dexterity and musicality when using scales.
Chords Derived from the Natural Minor Scale
One of the powerful applications of scales like the natural minor is in constructing chord families that harmonize beautifully within a key. To learn the methodology behind this, explore our guide on forming chords from scales. Although the article uses the major scale as its primary example, the principles are directly transferable to deriving chords from the natural minor scale.
The diagram below illustrates the chords naturally formed from the degrees of the natural minor scale, using A natural minor as a practical example:
Utilizing the Natural Minor Scale in Musical Contexts
The natural minor scale’s prevalence in rock, pop, and numerous other popular music styles cannot be overstated. Many chord progressions in these genres are rooted in the chords derived from this scale. Consequently, countless iconic guitar solos are constructed entirely using the natural minor scale over these familiar chord progressions.
Enhance your soloing and improvisation skills by practicing with this scale over backing tracks specifically designed for the Aeolian mode. This practical application will solidify your understanding and ability to use the natural minor scale musically.
