Scales & Key Signatures: Spelling Natural Minor Scales - The A Natural Minor Scale

The easiest natural (pure) minor scale to spell and memorize is A minor:

• a-b-c-d-e-f-g-a.
  • The scale is spelled out using lowercase letters to denote that it is a minor scale.

The A natural minor scale has no sharps or flats, like the key signature that A minor shares with C major.

So, the simplest way to approach natural minor scales is to use the pitches in the key signature.

• For example, let's try writing the G natural minor scale.
  
  • The key signature for G minor is the same as the major key signature for the note a m3 above G, which is B-flat.
  • The key signature for B-flat major has two flats: B-flat and E-flat. Therefore, these are the two accidentals needed for the G natural minor scale.
  • Write out the G natural minor scale, incorporating B-flat and E-flat: g - a - b-flat - c - d - e-flat - f - g.