A Natural Minor Scale

Character

Also called the natural minor, or Aeolian. Its notes are exactly those of a major scale started from its sixth note.

It differs from major in the 3rd, 6th and 7th, each a half step lower. The flattened third is what sets the minor colour.

Because the 7th is a half step lower, it pulls only weakly toward the root. When a minor key needs a strong resolution, players borrow the raised 7th from the harmonic minor.

Scales with the same notes

This scale starts on note 6 of the C Major Scale scale and contains exactly the same notes. The fretboard positions are identical, so a shape you already know carries over.

Shares its notes with C Major Scale. Only the root differs. C Major Scale →

Diatonic chords in this key

Seventh chords built on each scale note, using only notes from the scale. These do not clash with one another, so they are the reference set when you build a progression.

Practice

The fretboard shape is the same as its relative major. You already know the shape — only the root moves, so there is nothing new to memorise.

Lose track of the root and it starts to sound major. Find the root first, then play.