There are three variations of the minor scale: the natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. For this post, we will focus on the F Natural Minor Scale, but you can explore the F Harmonic Minor and F Melodic Minor in our other articles.
Contents
HOW TO CREATE THE F NATURAL MINOR SCALE
The F Minor scale is a 7 note scale that uses the following notes: F, G, Ab, Bb, C, Db and Eb.
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.
By starting on a C and following the pattern, we can form the C Natural Minor Scale. Similarly, to create the F Natural Minor scale, begin on the note F and follow the tone/semitone pattern. Regardless of the starting note, following this pattern will always result in the formation of a minor scale.
F NATURAL MINOR SCALE ON THE PIANO
As you can see, if we were to play this scale on the piano diagram we use four black keys for each of the flats.
To play this scale on the piano use the fingers written below.
F NATURAL MINOR SCALE ON THE GUITAR
You can use the tab below to play the F Natural Minor scale on the guitar
DEGREES OF THE SCALE: F MINOR
The F Minor scale has degrees, which refer to the position of each note within the scale. The first note of the scale is known as the ‘tonic’ note.
KEY SIGNATURE FOR F MINOR
Instead of notating flat signs on each note, we can utilize the key signature. F Minor is considered as the relative minor of Ab Major, which can be determined by recognizing that F is the sixth note of Ab Major. As a result, both scales have the same key signature and share four flats: Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db.
Here is the F minor scale written out using the key signature.
F MINOR SCALE IN DIFFERENT CLEFS
Treble Clef
Below is the F Natural Minor Scale written out in the treble clef, both ascending and descending.
Bass Clef
Below is the F Natural Minor Scale written out in the bass clef, both ascending and descending.
Alto Clef
Below is the F Natural Minor Scale written out in the alto clef, both ascending and descending.
Tenor Clef
Below is the F Natural Minor Scale written out in the tenor clef, both ascending and descending.
If a piece of music is said to be in the key of F Minor, there are certain implications.
- Firstly, the key signature will have four flats since the relative major is Ab Major.
- Secondly, the F natural note will be the root or tonic note of the piece, which will sound the most stable throughout the composition.
- The piece will mostly consist of notes from this scale, which could be in any octave.
- Lastly, the chords used in the piece will belong to the F Minor scale.
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