

What happens if we fill the first cell with a C♯ ? the distance between We now have the C natural minor scale, that is c-d-e♭-f-g-a♭-b♭-c. What happens if we fill the first cell with a C ? the distance between Here is a new recipe : the distance between Why 3 scales ? I don't want to discuss the historical path that led to the existence of 3 minor scale, so lets just say that in minor contexts, you'll see variations in sixth and seven degrees of the minor scale so often, that musicologists decided to give a name to each one of those 3 common variations. (that is d-e-f♯-g-a-b-c♯-d, the **D major scale**) If you fill the first cell with a C you get the C major scale, if you fill it with an E♭, if you fill it with a D you get the D major scale, etc. Here is a reminder of the "major scale recipe" (1 stands for whole-tone, and ½ stands for semi-tone) : the distance between You remember that a scale is in fact a "recipe". I suggest that you read again this post where I described major scale construction. In the next 3 posts, we'll have all of those scales covered.įirst, be sure that you fully understand distance between notes.

There are no fret numbers because this diagram can be seated at any fretboard position.In this new series of 4 new music theory posts, we will talk about minor scales, starting with 3 kind of minor scales. The gray are other additional diatonic notes. (The “blue” notes, which are not part of those scales but often used in blues and rock music, are shown in blue.) The red notes are major roots. The diagram below shows the spacing between the notes of the major and natural minor scales. You could then play that scale with any tonic note by shifting it up and down the fretboard. It would be beneficial if you learned the shape of the scales on the guitar. B♭ is by far more common because it’s more practical in standard notation. Note that there are other minor scales besides natural minor.Ī♯ and B♭ are enharmonic notes, keys, and chords, so you would play them the exact same way. If you want to end with B♭, don’t play the last two notes. Assuming you want the natural minor scale, this is one example of how to play it, shown in standard tablature: -6-8-9. There are many ways to play the B♭ minor scale on the guitar.
