Natural Minor Scale

Definition

The natural minor scale is a diatonic scale consisting of seven different pitches that follows a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H). It is often associated with sad or melancholic moods in music.

Analogy

Imagine walking down a dimly lit street on a rainy day. The natural minor scale captures that feeling of introspection and longing just like how raindrops falling on empty streets evoke emotions within us.

Related terms

Harmonic Minor Scale: As mentioned earlier, this is an alteration of the natural minor scale where only the seventh degree is raised by a half step. It adds tension and richness to compositions.

Aeolian Mode: The Aeolian mode refers specifically to the sixth mode of any major scale, which is essentially the same as the natural minor scale. It is commonly used in various genres of music.

Relative Major Key: The relative major key shares the same key signature as its corresponding minor key. For example, A natural minor and C major have identical notes.