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Scales

A minor scale

The A minor scale notes: A – B – C – D – E – F – G. The natural minor (Aeolian): the notes of the relative major starting from its 6th degree. Darker and sadder than major.

Notes and steps

A1B2C♭3D4E5F♭6G♭7

Steps: W – H – W – W – H – W – W · W = whole step, H = half step

A minor scale on guitar

Standard tuning, frets 0–12. Filled circles are the root.

A minor scale on the guitar fretboardEFGABCDEABCDEFGADEFGABCDGABCDEFGBCDEFGABEFGABCDE357912

A minor scale on piano

A minor scale on the piano keyboardCDEFGABCDEFGAB

Chords in this scale

Other scales from A

The same scale from other notes

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the A minor scale?

A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Step formula: W–H–W–W–H–W–W (W = whole step, H = half step).

How do I practise it on guitar?

Every circle on the fretboard is a note of the scale up to fret 12; the filled circles mark the root (A). Start in one position (within 4–5 frets), root to root, slowly, with a metronome.

Which chords go with it?

The chords built on its degrees: Am, Bdim, C, Dm, Em, F, G. More in the key of A minor.

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Photos: Isak Photography, 42 North, Rachel Loughman, Vitaly Gariev, Vitaly Gariev, Isaac Martin / Unsplash