C natural minor scale
The C natural minor scale, also known as the C Aeolian mode, features three flats (E♭, A♭, B♭) in its key signature. It is the relative minor of the E♭ major scale. This scale is widely used in classical and contemporary music, offering a darker counterpart to the C major scale. Its relationship to the C harmonic minor and C melodic minor scales makes it essential for understanding minor tonality.
The scale follows the natural minor pattern: C to D (whole), D to E♭ (half), E♭ to F (whole), F to G (whole), G to A♭ (half), A♭ to B♭ (whole), and B♭ to C (whole). This progression creates a rich, melancholic sound that contrasts beautifully with its parallel major scale.
C natural minor holds a special place in music theory education as it demonstrates the relationship between parallel major and minor scales (sharing the same tonic). The scale's three-flat signature makes it an excellent study in minor tonality, being neither too simple nor too complex. It's frequently used in film scoring, particularly for creating emotional or dramatic passages, and its versatility makes it popular in genres ranging from classical to jazz and contemporary pop music. The scale's relationship to C major provides numerous opportunities for modal mixture and harmonic development.
C natural minor scale details
Information and technical details of the scale.
- Category
- western
- Type
- Heptatonic (7 notes per octave)
- Intervals
- 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 1
- Formula
- 2-1-2-2-1-2-2
- Also known as
- C Aeolian scale, C Aeolian mode, Cm natural scale, C pure minor scale
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the C natural minor scale. Or browse all piano scales.
C harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
C Ionian scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
C major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
C melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1