C natural minor scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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C natural minor

The C natural minor scale has 7 notes: C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab and Bb. Its formula is 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 and its steps, in tones, are 1 – ½ – 1 – 1 – ½ – 1 – 1.

The natural minor scale gives minor keys their melancholic color. It has the same notes as the major scale three semitones higher (its relative major).

C natural minor

C D Eb F G Ab Bb · 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.

Notes and intervals

Note

Degree

C

1

D

2

Eb

b3

F

4

G

5

Ab

b6

Bb

b7

Chords (triads)

i · C minor ii° · D diminished III · Eb major iv · F minor v · G minor VI · Ab major VII · Bb major

Seventh chords

i7 · C minor 7 iiø7 · D half-diminished IIImaj7 · Eb major 7 iv7 · F minor 7 v7 · G minor 7 VImaj7 · Ab major 7 VII7 · Bb7

Same notes (modes and relatives)

Eb major F dorian G phrygian Ab lydian Bb mixolydian D locrian

Other C scales

C major C harmonic minor C melodic minor C major pentatonic C minor pentatonic C blues C dorian C phrygian C lydian C mixolydian

Neighbouring scales (fifth and fourth)

G natural minor F natural minor

Try it in the app

Hear the chords, play them as a progression, switch instrument, note names (Do Ré Mi or C D E) and theme:

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Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the C natural minor scale?

The notes of the C natural minor scale are C, D, Eb, F, G, Ab and Bb.

What is the formula of the natural minor scale?

The formula of the natural minor scale is 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7: it is built with the steps 1 – ½ – 1 – 1 – ½ – 1 – 1 (in tones).

How many accidentals are in the C natural minor scale?

The C natural minor scale has 3 flats.

Which chords go with the C natural minor scale?

The chords of the C natural minor scale are C minor, D diminished, Eb major, F minor, G minor, Ab major and Bb major.

Popular chords

C major G major D major A major E major F major A minor E minor D minor G7 D7 C major 7

Popular scales

C major G major A natural minor A minor pentatonic E minor pentatonic A blues D dorian E phrygian All chords and scales

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