The natural minor scale follows T-S-T-T-S-T-T, starting on the 6th degree of its relative major

The natural minor scale (Aeolian mode) has a characteristic tone-semitone pattern: T S T T S T T. This differs from the major scale (T T S T T T S) at three places: the 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees are each one semitone lower. Every major key has a relative minor key that uses the same notes but starts on the 6th degree. To find the relative minor: count 3 notes down (or 6 notes up) from the major tonic. A minor is the relative minor of C major.

Examples

A natural minor: A B C D E F G A. Relative to C major (same notes, different tonic). E natural minor: E F# G A B C D E — relative to G major.

Assessment

Build the D natural minor scale using the T-S-T-T-S-T-T formula. Find the relative major of A minor and the relative minor of G major.