Scale · 7 notes
E natural minor scale — guitar notes & shapes
The E natural minor scale is E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D. The natural minor (Aeolian) scale lowers the 3rd, 6th and 7th of the major scale, which gives it a serious, emotional sound.
On the fretboard
Red = root (E). High e string on top, like tab. Numbers show the scale degree.
Notes and formula
| Degree | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | root |
| 2 | F♯ | major 2nd |
| ♭3 | G | minor 3rd |
| 4 | A | perfect 4th |
| 5 | B | perfect 5th |
| ♭6 | C | minor 6th |
| ♭7 | D | minor 7th |
Steps: W H W W H W W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Chords in the scale
Relative scale: G major.
Home key: Em.
Sound, styles and practice
Styles: Rock ballads, metal, film music and minor-key pop.
- Compare it with the major scale on the same root to hear the three lowered notes.
- Target the root and the minor 3rd on strong beats.
- Start from the minor pentatonic and add the 2nd and ♭6.
Go further with guitar scales for beginners and how to improvise.
FAQ
- What notes are in the E natural minor scale?
- E natural minor: E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D.
- Where do I play E natural minor on the guitar?
- The easiest place is around fret 12, where E sits on the low E string (highlighted in the diagram). The same pattern repeats 12 frets higher.
- What is its relative scale?
- G major — the same notes with a different home note.