G♭ natural minor scale
The G♭ natural minor scale, also known as the G♭ Aeolian mode, is written with six flats (G♭, A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F♭). It is the relative minor of the B♭ major scale and is enharmonically equivalent to the F♯ natural minor scale. While less commonly used in its G♭ spelling, this scale offers unique theoretical insights into the relationship between enharmonic keys and scale construction.
The scale follows the natural minor pattern: G♭ to A♭ (whole), A♭ to B♭ (half), B♭ to C♭ (whole), C♭ to D♭ (whole), D♭ to E♭ (half), E♭ to F♭ (whole), and F♭ to G♭ (whole). This creates the same haunting minor tonality as its enharmonic equivalent, F♯ natural minor.
While G♭ natural minor is theoretically important, composers typically prefer to write in its enharmonic equivalent, F♯ natural minor, due to the simpler key signature with three sharps instead of six flats. However, understanding this scale is crucial for comprehensive music theory study and for situations where flat keys are more appropriate for the musical context or instrumentation.
G♭ 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
- G♭ Aeolian scale, G♭ Aeolian mode, G♭m natural scale, G-flat pure minor scale
- Enharmonic equivalents
Related scales
Here are some scales that are related to the G♭ natural minor scale. Or browse all piano scales.
G♭ harmonic minor scale
2-1-2-2-1-3-1
G♭ major scale
2-2-1-2-2-2-1
G♭ melodic minor scale
2-1-2-2-2-2-1