The **natural minor scale** can perhaps be considered the default version of the [[minor scale]]. Compared to a [[major scale]] starting on the same tonic, the natural minor contains the lowered scale degrees $\flat\hat{3}$, $\flat\hat{6}$, and $\flat\hat{7}$. > [!Important!] > Take note that the accidentals applied to the scale degree numbers are *relative*, meaning that if the original scale degree were sharp, the altered scale degree would be natural, not flat! (For example, $\hat{7}$ in E major would be D$\sharp$, whereas $\flat\hat{7}$ would be D$\natural$.) Also, take note that the arrangement of half steps and whole steps has changed. In the natural minor scale, the half steps lie between $\hat{2}$ and $\flat\hat{3}$ and between $\hat{5}$ and $\flat\hat{6}$. Furthermore, the corresponding solfège syllables have been inflected to account for the alterations: *mi* ⇒ *me*, *la* ⇒ *le*, and *ti* ⇒ *te*. ![[minor scales example 1.png]] **Example 1.** C natural minor scale. ![[minor scales example 1.mp3]] ## Scale-Degree Names in Minor The traditional scale-degree names remain the same in minor as in major with one exception: *te* ($\flat\hat{7}$) is known as the subtonic rather than the leading tone since it lacks the latter’s characteristic “leading” quality. See below for the table of scale-degree numbers, names, and solfège syllables for the natural minor scale. | Scale-Degree Number | Scale-Degree Name | Solfège | | ------------------- | ----------------- | ------- | | $\hat{1}$ | tonic | *do* | | $\hat{2}$ | supertonic | *re* | | $\flat\hat{3}$ | mediant | *me* | | $\hat{4}$ | subdominant | *fa* | | $\hat{5}$ | dominant | *sol* | | $\flat\hat{6}$ | submediant | *le* | | $\flat\hat{7}$ | subtonic | *te*