In the last few lessons we’ve taken a good look at the seven positions of the major scale. In this lesson we look at the seven positions of the natural minor scale. The natural minor scale is the minor scale in its purest form. Also available are the harmonic and melodic minor scales that alter certain notes to give each scale a unique sound.

The natural minor scale differs to the major scale in that it has a flat third (b3), a flat sixth (b6) and a flat seventh (b7). By altering the major scale to include these notes you create a minor scale. As these notes are the ‘minor’ notes in the scale, when improvising it is important that you know where these notes are so you can emphasise the minor sound should you need to.

The seven positions are below in diagram and TAB form. For the purpose of the TAB, the scale has been laid out in the key of A minor.

A Natural Minor Position 1:

A Natural Minor Position 2:

A Natural Minor Position 3:

A Natural Minor Position 4:

A Natural Minor Position 5:

A Natural Minor Position 6:

A Natural Minor Position 7:

From learning the natural minor scale from the diagrams and TAB above you know that to play the scale in the key of A minor you need to start the first position on the 5^th fret and then match up the rest of the root notes with A’s. As with all the other scales we have learnt, it is important to be able to transpose this scale into other keys. Once again, it’s simply a case of matching up the root notes (R) in each position to the root note of the key you require. Use the random key finder below to practice placing the natural minor scale into different keys.

image credit – cooperweb