Scale · Guitar

D Natural Minor Scale · Guitar

DEFGAB♭C
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Fretboard map · Guitar

Find every available note across the first 12 frets.

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E2
A2
D3
G3
B3
E4

Notes

D · E · F · G · A · B♭ · C

Root: D

Intervals

1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7

How it is built

This scale starts on D and applies the intervals 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.

Explore related combinations

Guide and musical context

About D Natural Minor Guitar Scale

D Natural Minor Guitar scale uses the notes D, E, F, G, A, B♭, C. Its character is dark and stable, with a minor seventh.

Character and sound

Dark and stable, with a minor seventh.

Musical context and history

Natural minor contains the same notes as the modern Aeolian mode. It is the basic diatonic form of a minor key before degrees are raised for harmonic or melodic reasons.

How and where it is used

It is used in minor melodies and progressions across rock, pop, folk, metal and screen music.

On guitar, the same pitch collection can appear in several fretboard positions. Favor comfortable fingerings, guide tones and open strings when useful; the map shows all available positions across the first twelve frets. Everything you see and hear on this page comes from the same note set shown above.

Harmonic and musical relationships

Natural minor and Aeolian have the same formula. The relative major lies a minor third above, at F.

The formula on this page is 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7 and, from D, produces the notes D · E · F · G · A · B♭ · C.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the D Natural Minor Guitar scale?

The notes are D, E, F, G, A, B♭, C.

What is its interval formula?

The formula is 1 · 2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7.

How does it sound and what is it used for?

Dark and stable, with a minor seventh. It is used in minor melodies and progressions across rock, pop, folk, metal and screen music.

How can I check it on Guitar?

Use the interactive diagram on this page and press Play or Note by note. The highlighted positions, written notes and playback all use the same pitch collection.