How to Play a Minor Scale

Minor scales, also called natural minor scales, are created by following the proper order of whole and half steps. Each minor scale contains a different number of accidentals, but the whole and half steps remain the same. The order of whole and half steps for a natural minor scale is as follows: whole-half-whole-whole-half-whole-whole.

Instructions

1. Start on the root note of your scale, which is the note the scale is named for. For this example, C is the root note.

2. Move up one whole step to D.

3. Go up one-half step to E flat. On the keyboard, this is the black key between D and E. This half step is the first audible indication that you are playing a minor scale.

4. Make two more whole steps up to F and then G.

5. Continue with your last half step up to A flat.

6. Reach up a whole step to B flat and finish your scale with your last whole step up to C. This whole step is the second indicator of a natural minor scale.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot remember the key signature for a certain minor scale, start with the root note of the scale and follow the correct whole and half step pattern to find the right keys.

• The natural minor scale is set apart from other minor scales due to its whole step between the 7th and 8th step. To determine what type of minor scale you are playing, look and listen for this whole step.