Let’s continue with our study of music theory by looking at the Natural Minor Scale and its application to popular music. The natural minor scale is similar to the major scale in that it is a 7-note diatonic scale, which can be repeated both above and below the octave note. However, the step relationships between notes differ slightly from the major scale, most notably affecting the 3^rd note in the scale and the 7^th note.

The 3^rd note of scales determines whether the scale is major or minor. If there are 4 half steps or semitones between the root note and the 3^rd note (C and E, for example), it is a major 3^rd interval. If there are only 3 half steps or semitones between the root and the 3^rd (C and E flat, for example), it is a minor 3^rd interval.

The 7^th note of a scale is the leading tone of the scale, responsible for setting up and resolving tension back to the root note or the starting note of the scale. In the major scale, there is only one-half step between the 7^th note and the root. In the natural minor scale, there is a whole step between the 7^th note and the root.

Let’s take a closer look at the C natural minor scale on the keyboard: