D natural minor scale
The D natural minor scale, also known as the D Aeolian mode, features one flat (B♭) in its key signature. It is the relative minor of the F major scale. This scale is widely used in classical, folk, and contemporary music, offering a perfect balance between accessibility and expressive potential. Its relationship to both D harmonic minor and D melodic minor makes it a fundamental scale for understanding minor tonality.
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 progression creates the characteristic minor sound while maintaining a relatively simple key signature, making it accessible for beginners while offering depth for advanced musicians.
D natural minor is particularly popular in folk and medieval music, where its modal quality can evoke ancient or pastoral themes. The scale's single flat makes it an excellent introduction to minor scales for developing musicians. Its relationship to F major provides natural opportunities for modal interchange, and its balanced structure makes it equally suitable for both melodic and harmonic applications. The scale is frequently used in rock and metal music, especially in combination with its harmonic and melodic minor variants, to create rich and dynamic musical textures.
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, Dm natural scale, D pure minor scale
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 Ionian scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
D major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
D melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1