Music theory definition
Natural minor
The minor scale straight from the key signature: W H W W H W W.
Hear an example
Play the example and listen for the idea described above.
One note makes the mood
= with 3, 6, 7 lowered. The ♭3 does the most work.
Learn it in context
This term is introduced in Unit 7: Minor scales. Work through the explanations and exercises to connect the definition with music.
- Natural minor
The darker sibling of the major scale.
Explore with an interactive tool
- Scale & mode explorer
Pick any root and scale to see and hear it. Compare two side by side - only the notes that change will move.
Related music terms
- Minor
- A family of scales and chords with a different sound from major. A basic minor chord has its middle note one half step lower than the major version.
- Harmonic minor
- Natural minor with the 7th raised, giving a leading tone.
- Melodic minor
- Minor with the 6th and 7th raised going up (and natural minor coming down).