The B Minor scale consists of seven notes, namely B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A. It is typically notated as commencing and concluding on B, and it can be repeated at higher or lower octaves. It belongs to a key, which is B 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 B Natural Minor Scale, but you can explore the B Harmonic Minor and A Melodic Minor in our other articles.
Contents
HOW TO CREATE THE B 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 B Natural Minor scale, trace the tone/semitone pattern starting from the note B.
Regardless of the starting note, you will always arrive at the minor scale for that particular note.
![B Natural Minor Intervals](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/B-Natural-Minor-Intervals.jpg)
B NATURAL MINOR SCALE ON THE PIANO
As demonstrated, when playing this scale on the piano, we only use the white keys.
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Play-B-Minor-Scale-on-the-Piano.jpg)
To play this scale on the piano use the fingers written below.
![How to play the B natural minor on the Piano](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/How-to-play-the-B-natural-minor-on-the-Piano.jpg)
B NATURAL MINOR SCALE ON THE GUITAR
You can use the tab below to play the B Natural Minor scale on the guitar
![Play B Minor Scale on the Guitar](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Play-B-Minor-Scale-on-the-Guitar.jpg)
DEGREES OF THE SCALE: B MINOR
Each note in the B Minor scale has a degree position. The initial note of the scale is known as the ‘tonic’ note.
![Degrees of the B minor scale](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Degrees-of-the-B-minor-scale.jpg)
KEY SIGNATURE FOR B MINOR
![Key signature for B minor](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Key-signature-for-B-minor.jpg)
Instead of having to write the sharp symbol on each note, we can make use of the key signature. D Major and B Minor are related keys, with B Minor being the relative minor of D Major. This relationship is determined by the fact that B is the sixth note of D Major.
As a result, both keys share the same key signature, which includes two sharps: F# and C#.
And here is the full scale with the key signature
![Full Scale with key signature](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Full-Scale-with-key-signature.jpg)
B MINOR SCALE IN DIFFERENT CLEFS
Treble Clef
Below is the B Natural Minor Scale written out in the treble clef, both ascending and descending.
![B Natural Minor Scale - Treble Clef](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/B-Natural-Minor-Scale-Treble-Clef.jpg)
Bass Clef
Below is the B Natural Minor Scale written out in the bass clef, both ascending and descending.
![B Natural Minor Scale - Bass Clef](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/B-Natural-Minor-Scale-Bass-Clef.jpg)
Alto Clef
Below is the B Natural Minor Scale written out in the alto clef, both ascending and descending.
![B Natural Minor Scale - Alto Clef](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/B-Natural-Minor-Scale-Alto-Clef.jpg)
Tenor Clef
Below is the B Natural Minor Scale written out in the tenor clef, both ascending and descending.
![B Natural Minor Scale - Tenor Clef](/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/B-Natural-Minor-Scale-Tenor-Clef.jpg)
If a piece of music is said to be in the key of B Minor, it implies several things.
- Firstly, its key signature will have two sharps (F# and C#), since its relative major is D Major.
- Secondly, the tonic or root note of the piece will be B natural, which will be the most stable note throughout the piece.
- Thirdly, the piece will primarily use notes from the B Minor scale, regardless of their octave.
- Finally, only chords that belong to the B Minor key will be used.
If you’re interested in learning more about music scales, chords, and musical theory, visit our Guitar tunio today