There are three variations of the minor scale: the natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. For this post, we will focus on the E Natural Minor Scale, but you can explore the E Harmonic Minor and E Melodic Minor in our other articles.
Contents
HOW TO CREATE THE E NATURAL MINOR SCALE
The E Minor scale consists of seven notes, namely E, F#, G, A, B, C, D. It is typically notated as commencing and concluding on E, and it can be repeated at higher or lower octaves. It belongs to a key, which is E Minor in this case, and is classified as a diatonic scale
Every Natural Minor scale has a specific sequence of tones and semitones (also known as steps and half steps). This sequence consists of a particular pattern of tones and semitones.
The sequence is as follows: Tone, Semitone, Tone, Tone, Semitone, Tone, Tone.
If we begin with the note C and follow this pattern, we will obtain the C Natural Minor Scale. To generate the E Natural Minor scale, trace the tone/semitone pattern starting from the note E.
Regardless of the starting note, you will always arrive at the minor scale for that particular note.
![E natural minor scale intervals](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/E-natural-minor-scale-intervals.jpg)
E NATURAL MINOR SCALE ON THE PIANO
As you can see, if we were to play this scale on the piano diagram we only use the white keys.
![Play E minor scale on Piano](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Play-E-minor-scale-on-Piano.jpg)
To play this scale on the piano use the fingers written below.
![How to Play E minor scale on Piano](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/How-to-Play-E-minor-scale-on-Piano.jpg)
E NATURAL MINOR SCALE ON THE GUITAR
You can use the tab below to play the E Natural Minor scale on the guitar
![Play E minor scale on Guitar](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Play-E-minor-scale-on-Guitar.jpg)
DEGREES OF THE SCALE: E MINOR
Every note within the E Minor scale is assigned a specific position known as its degree within the scale. The initial note of the scale is referred to as the “tonic” note.
![Degree of E natural minor](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Degree-of-E-natural-minor-1.jpg)
KEY SIGNATURE FOR E MINOR
Instead of notating the sharp signs on each note, we can utilize the key signature. E Minor is considered the relative minor of G Major. This is evident since E is the sixth note in the G Major scale. As a result, they both have the same key signature, which includes one sharp, F#.
Here is the full scale written out with the key signature.
![Full key signature of E natural minor scale](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Full-key-signature-of-E-natural-minor-scale.jpg)
E MINOR SCALE IN DIFFERENT CLEFS
Treble Clef
Below is the E Natural Minor Scale written out in the treble clef, both ascending and descending.
![E natural minor - Treble Clef](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/E-natural-minor-Treble-Clef.jpg)
Bass Clef
Below is the E Natural Minor Scale written out in the bass clef, both ascending and descending.
![E natural minor - Bass Clef](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/E-natural-minor-Bass-Clef.jpg)
Alto Clef
Below is the E Natural Minor Scale written out in the alto clef, both ascending and descending.
![E natural minor - Alto Clef](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/E-natural-minor-Alto-Clef.jpg)
Tenor Clef
Below is the E Natural Minor Scale written out in the tenor clef, both ascending and descending.
![E natural minor - Tenor Clef](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/E-natural-minor-Tenor-Clef.jpg)
When we describe a piece of music as being in the key of E Minor, it implies several things.
- Firstly, the key signature will comprise of one sharp (F#) and the relative major will be G major.
- Secondly, the note E natural will serve as the tonic (or root note) of the piece, providing the most stable sound throughout the composition.
- Thirdly, the piece will predominantly use notes from this specific scale, which could be in any octave.
- Lastly, the chords used will be those that belong to E Minor.
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