D♭ natural minor scale
The D♭ natural minor scale, also known as the D♭ Aeolian mode, is written with eight flats (D♭, E♭, F♭, G♭, A♭, B♭♭, C♭). It is the relative minor of the F♭ major scale and is enharmonically equivalent to the C♯ natural minor scale. While theoretically important, this scale is rarely used in practice due to its complex notation, with composers typically preferring its enharmonic equivalent.
The scale follows the natural minor pattern: D♭ to E♭ (whole), E♭ to F♭ (half), F♭ to G♭ (whole), G♭ to A♭ (whole), A♭ to B♭♭ (half), B♭♭ to C♭ (whole), and C♭ to D♭ (whole). This creates the same melancholic sound as its enharmonic equivalent, C♯ natural minor, but with a more complex notation using double flats.
While D♭ natural minor is primarily of theoretical interest, understanding its construction and relationship to other scales is valuable for comprehensive music theory study. The scale demonstrates the importance of enharmonic equivalence in Western music theory and illustrates why certain key signatures are preferred over others in practical composition and performance. Most musicians would choose to write in C♯ natural minor instead, as it requires fewer accidentals and is easier to read.
D♭ 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
- D♭ Aeolian scale, D♭ Aeolian mode, D♭m natural scale, D-flat pure minor scale
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the D♭ natural minor scale. Or browse all piano scales.
D♭ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
D♭ major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
D♭ melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1