C Natural Minor scale on guitar
sad · melancholic · introspective
About the Natural Minor scale
The minor mode par excellence: lowered 3rd, 6th and 7th give it that serious, melancholic color. Same notes as its relative major, but the emotional center of gravity shifts.
When to use it: Your default for sad or epic minor-key songs without a strong V7 chord.
Watch out: If the progression uses a major V or V7, the b7 will clash — try harmonic minor there.
Notes
Genres
Diatonic chords — tap any of them
These chords are built using only the notes of this scale — one on each degree. That's why they all sound "at home" together: they're the harmonic family of C Natural Minor.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the C Natural Minor scale?
The C Natural Minor scale contains the notes C, D, D#, F, G, G#, A#. On this page you can see them highlighted on the instrument and hear how the scale sounds.
What does the Natural Minor scale sound like?
Every scale has its own color. Natural Minor is best experienced by ear — press play above to hear C Natural Minor and watch each note light up.
Which chords can I build from C Natural Minor?
The diatonic chords of C Natural Minor include Cm, Ddim, D#, Fm, Gm, G#, A#. They all share the scale's notes, which is why they sound at home together.