fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON VIOLA (TREBLE CLEF)

C𝄪 Natural Minor

The 'natural' minor — relative minor of the major scale built a minor third lower. Same notes as its relative major, different tonic.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 3 5 title C𝄪 Natural Minor
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 3 4 5 title C𝄪 Natural Minor
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
C𝄪C stringADGCoctave nodeoctave nodeoctave nodeoctave node
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C𝄪 Natural Minor scale?

The C𝄪 Natural Minor scale uses the notes C𝄪, D𝄪, E♯, F𝄪, G𝄪, A♯, B♯ (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Natural Minor scale formula?

The Natural Minor scale follows the interval pattern W H W W H W W, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on C𝄪 to get the C𝄪 Natural Minor scale.

What chords work over C𝄪 Natural Minor?

Natural minor's diatonic chords: i minor, ii°, ♭III major, iv minor, v minor, ♭VI major, ♭VII major. The minor-v sounds modal; for stronger pull use V (from harmonic minor).

How do I finger C𝄪 Natural Minor on Viola (treble clef)?

On bowed strings, scales train both fingering and bow technique. First-position fingerings cover most scales up to one octave; second-, third-, and fourth-position shifts unlock the higher register. The 1-2-3-4 finger pattern adapts to the half-step + whole-step positions per scale.

When would I use the Natural Minor scale?

The 'natural' minor — relative minor of the major scale built a minor third lower. Same notes as its relative major, different tonic.