Degrees and intervals
| Degree | Note | Interval from the tonic | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | root | Tonic |
| 2 | B | major second | Supertonic |
| ♭3 | C | minor third | Mediant |
| 4 | D | perfect fourth | Subdominant |
| 5 | E | perfect fifth | Dominant |
| ♭6 | F | minor sixth | Submediant |
| ♭7 | G | minor seventh | Subtonic |
From one note to the next, the scale moves like this: T – S – T – T – S – T – T (T = whole step, S = half step). That pattern is the same in every key: once you learn it, you can build the natural minor scale from any note.
Chords in the A natural minor scale
Stacking thirds on each degree gives you these chords. They're the ones you'll find most often in songs in this key.
Triads
Seventh chords
How to practice this scale
- Play it slowly with a metronome, one note per beat, and only speed up once it sounds even.
- Sing the note names while you play it: that way you train your ear and your memory at the same time.
- On piano, use the fingering from your teacher or a method book: in most scales the thumb passes under after the third finger.
- Also practice the scale's triads (the chords below) to understand how the harmony of songs is built.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the A natural minor scale?
The A natural minor scale has 7 notes: A – B – C – D – E – F – G. Its formula is T – S – T – T – S – T – T (T = whole tone, S = semitone).
How many sharps or flats does A natural minor have?
Its key signature has no sharps or flats.
What is the relative major of A natural minor?
It is C major: they have exactly the same notes, but start on different scale degrees. The relative major is a minor third higher.
What chords are in the A natural minor scale?
With triads: Am (i), Bdim (ii°), C (III), Dm (iv), Em (v), F (VI), G (VII).