Practice/Foundations
Beginner 8 minutes Guided lesson

Minor scale, first position

Learn the natural-minor sound in every natural, sharp, and flat key.

Today's tempo ladder
Slow60BPMWorking70BPMGoal120BPM
Loop this measure

One-octave G minor ascent

Eight even eighth notes from open G to fret 5 on the D course.

Target120 BPM
Root
Accidental
Direction
1 measure · repeats
Explanation

What this develops

Every natural minor scale follows the whole–half–whole, whole–half–whole–whole pattern. Its lowered third, sixth, and seventh give it a darker sound than the major scale.

Choose any natural root, then add a sharp or flat when needed. Each option stays in first position and spans exactly one octave.

Coach's tip

Do not rush the half-step pairs. Keep their spacing as even as every whole step.

Practice plan

Take it to the instrument

  1. 1

    Begin in G and name each note while playing the ascending natural minor scale.

  2. 2

    Compare G minor with G major and listen for the lowered third, sixth, and seventh.

  3. 3

    Choose other roots and practice Ascent, Descent, and Both at a steady tempo.

Finish this lesson

Mark it complete when you can play three relaxed, clean loops.