The A Minor scale consists of seven notes, namely A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. It is typically notated as commencing and concluding on A, and it can be repeated at higher or lower octaves. It belongs to a key, which is A Minor in this case, and is classified as a diatonic scale. There are three variations of the minor scale: the natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. For this post, we will focus on the A Natural Minor Scale, but you can explore the A Harmonic Minor and A Melodic Minor in our other articles.
Contents
HOW TO CREATE THE A NATURAL MINOR SCALE
Every Natural Minor scale adheres to a specific sequence of tones and semitones (whole steps and half steps).
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 A Natural Minor scale, trace the tone/semitone pattern starting from the note A.
Regardless of the starting note, you will always arrive at the minor scale for that particular note.
A NATURAL MINOR SCALE ON THE PIANO
As demonstrated, when playing this scale on the piano, we only use the white keys.
To play this scale on the piano use the fingers written below.
A NATURAL MINOR SCALE ON THE GUITAR
You can use the tab below to play the A Natural Minor scale on the guitar
DEGREES OF THE SCALE: A MINOR
Each note in the A Minor scale has a degree position. The initial note of the scale is known as the ‘tonic’ note.
KEY SIGNATURE FOR A MINOR
Instead of inscribing the sharp or flat symbols on each note, we can employ the key signature. A Minor is the relative minor of C Major. You can determine this because A is the sixth note in the C Major scale.
This implies that both scales share the same key signature and have no sharps or flats.
A MINOR SCALE IN DIFFERENT CLEFS
Treble Clef
Below is the A Natural Minor Scale written out in the treble clef, both ascending and descending.
Bass Clef
Below is the A Natural Minor Scale written out in the bass clef, both ascending and descending.
Alto Clef
Below is the A Natural Minor Scale written out in the alto clef, both ascending and descending.
Tenor Clef
Below is the A Natural Minor Scale written out in the tenor clef, both ascending and descending.
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