E♭ natural minor scale
The E♭ natural minor scale, also known as the E♭ Aeolian mode, features six flats (E♭, G♭, A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭) in its key signature. It is the relative minor of the G♭ major scale and is enharmonically equivalent to the D♯ natural minor scale. This scale is commonly used in orchestral music and jazz compositions, particularly when writing for instruments that favor flat keys.
The scale follows the natural minor pattern: E♭ to F (whole), F to G♭ (half), G♭ to A♭ (whole), A♭ to B♭ (whole), B♭ to C♭ (half), C♭ to D♭ (whole), and D♭ to E♭ (whole). This progression creates a rich, melancholic sound that is particularly effective in wind and brass compositions.
E♭ natural minor is frequently used in orchestral and band music due to its natural fit with many wind instruments. While its enharmonic equivalent D♯ natural minor uses six sharps, E♭ natural minor's six-flat key signature is often preferred by performers of certain instruments. The scale is particularly important in jazz and classical repertoire, where flat keys are common. Its relationship to G♭ major provides interesting harmonic possibilities, and its dark, warm tonality makes it especially suitable for emotional and expressive musical passages.
E♭ 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
- E♭ Aeolian scale, E♭ Aeolian mode, E♭m natural scale, E-flat pure minor scale
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the E♭ natural minor scale. Or browse all piano scales.
E♭ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
E♭ major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
E♭ melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1