Explore scales · Ukulele
A natural minor scale on ukulele
A natural minor uses A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 2 and string 2 fret 5 for a low-position start.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A natural minor scale on ukulele?
A natural minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A natural minor in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
A natural minor in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A natural minor in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A natural minor in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
A natural minor is the Aeolian mode of C major, sharing its key signature. It lowers the third, sixth, and seventh degrees of A major. Compared with A minor pentatonic, it adds B and F for full diatonic movement.
When to use it
Use A natural minor over A minor and A 5th progressions in folk, rock, and classical settings. The F and G create a strong pull back to A. A natural minor suits the key of A minor, where the seventh degree stays a whole step below the tonic.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the fourth string and covers frets 0–3 for easy open-position phrasing.
Common questions
Which notes are in A natural minor?
A natural minor contains A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. The intervals are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. It is the Aeolian mode of C major.
Which chords fit A natural minor?
A natural minor fits A minor and A 5th chords. The tonic chord is A minor. The scale also works over progressions built from the key of A minor.
How does A natural minor differ from A minor pentatonic?
A natural minor adds B and F to the five notes of A minor pentatonic. The pentatonic scale omits the second and sixth degrees. The natural minor provides a fuller diatonic sound.