naturalminor

Natural minor, also known as the Aeolian mode, is a diatonic scale used in Western music. It consists of seven pitches per octave with the interval pattern whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step. In terms of scale degrees, the natural minor follows 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7, returning to 1.

The natural minor is the relative minor of a major key, meaning it shares the same key signature as its parallel major. For example, A natural minor uses the same notes as C major (no sharps or flats). The defining characteristic is the lowered third, sixth, and seventh degrees relative to the corresponding major scale, producing a somber or restrained sound compared with the major scale.

Compared with harmonic and melodic minor, the natural minor keeps the seventh degree flat rather than raised. The harmonic minor raises the seventh to create a leading tone (1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7), while the melodic minor raises both sixth and seventh when ascending (1 2 b3 4 5 6 7) and reverts to the natural form when descending.

Diatonic triads built on natural minor scale degrees form the progression i, ii°, III, iv, v, VI, VII in many minor-key pieces. The scale is widely used in classical tonal music, folk, and popular genres, providing a distinct minor mood without the alterations found in harmonic or melodic minor.

Example: A natural minor consists of A B C D E F G A.