E Natural Minor
The 'natural' minor — relative minor of the major scale built a minor third lower. Same notes as its relative major, different tonic.
Audio source: FluidR3_GM SoundFont (public domain)
What notes are in the E Natural Minor scale?
The E Natural Minor scale uses the notes E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D (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 E to get the E Natural Minor scale.
What chords work over E 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 E Natural Minor on Alto?
Singing scales (solfège) trains pitch accuracy + interval recognition. Use moveable Do (Do = tonic) so any scale starts on Do. The major scale solfège (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do) is the universal pattern.
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.