C Natural Minor Scale on Guitar
The C Natural Minor Scale has the notes C – D – Eb – F – G – Ab – Bb. Natural Minor is the standard minor scale (Aeolian mode). Dark, serious and emotional.
C Natural Minor Scale notes
| Degree | 1 | 2 | b3 | 4 | 5 | b6 | b7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | C | D | Eb | F | G | Ab | Bb |
Its relative major is Eb major: Eb major uses exactly the same notes.
Fretboard diagram (frets 0 to 12)
7 positions across the neck
Learn the scale one box at a time and then link neighbouring boxes. Each diagram covers a five-fret window.
Position 1 (frets 0–4)
Position 2 (frets 2–6)
Position 3 (frets 3–7)
Position 4 (frets 5–9)
Position 5 (frets 7–11)
Position 6 (frets 9–13)
Position 7 (frets 10–14)
How to use the C Natural Minor Scale
Solos and melodies in a minor key, rock, metal and ballads.
Practice tip. The natural minor shares its notes with the major scale a minor third above, so one pattern gives you both.
Chords in C Natural Minor
These seven chords are built from the notes of the C Natural Minor Scale, and are the ones you will hear in songs in this key.
| Numeral | Chord |
|---|---|
| i | Cm |
| ii° | Ddim |
| III | Eb |
| iv | Fm |
| v | Gm |
| VI | Ab |
| VII | Bb |
More Natural Minor scales and related scales
FAQ
What are the notes of the C Natural Minor Scale?
The C Natural Minor Scale contains C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb.
What is the C Natural Minor Scale used for?
Natural Minor is the standard minor scale (Aeolian mode). Use it for solos and melodies in a minor key.
How many notes are in the Natural Minor scale?
7 notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, then the root C again an octave higher.
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