Learn natural, harmonic, and melodic minor in every natural, sharp, and flat key.
Today's tempo ladder
Slow60BPMWorking70BPMGoal120BPM
Loop this measure
One-octave G natural minor ascent
Eight even eighth notes from open G to fret 5 on the D course.
Target120 BPM
Type
Root
Accidental
Direction
1 measure · repeats
Fretboard view
Watch the tab on the mandolin
Ready
Explanation
What this develops
Natural minor is also called the Aeolian mode. It follows whole–half–whole–whole–half–whole–whole.
Its lowered third gives the scale its unmistakably minor home sound. Many listeners hear it as reflective, dark, or wistful, but tempo and phrasing can make it gentle, driving, or even playful.
Fun trivia: C major and A natural minor contain exactly the same notes. C feels like home in Ionian; A feels like home in Aeolian.
Coach's tip
Let the root feel like home. A scale is more than a fret pattern—the way its notes lead back to the root creates its character.
Practice plan
Take it to the instrument
1
Play the ascent and pause briefly on the lowered third.
2
Compare the same root in Natural Major and Natural Minor.
3
Choose Both and keep the turnaround steady and relaxed.
Finish this lesson
Mark it complete when you can play three relaxed, clean loops.