A Minor
Piano scale diagramBeginner
A Minor Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Minor scale, also known as the Aeolian mode or natural minor, is the standard for expressing melancholy, introspection, and drama. On Piano, its notes are A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Its sound is darker and more somber than the major scale, widely used in songwriting to evoke deep emotional narratives and serving as the foundation of traditional minor-key compositions. The diatonic chords of A Minor are Am7, Bm7b5, Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, G7. Commonly used in Rock, Pop, Metal, Classical, R&B. Notable players include Metallica, Adele, Beethoven. Use over minor triads, m7, m9 chords. Works across the entire minor key. Avoid over dominant chords that want a leading tone.
Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: aeolian
Diatonic Chords
Am7 — Bm7♭5 — Cmaj7 — Dm7 — Em7 — Fmaj7 — G7
Musical Character
The relative minor of any major key shares the same notes but starts on the 6th degree, allowing composers to shift mood without changing key signature.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Rock, Pop, Metal, Classical, R&B
Notable players: Metallica, Adele, Beethoven
How to Use the A Minor Scale
Use over minor triads, m7, m9 chords. Works across the entire minor key. Avoid over dominant chords that want a leading tone.
Origin & Background
The natural minor or Aeolian mode. The emotional counterpart to the major scale since the Renaissance.
Related Scales
Minor is the 6th mode of the Major scale (Aeolian). View A Major scale
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- i – VI – III – VII (Cinematic Minor)Contemporary / Film — Dramatic & Dark
The A Minor scale contains 7 notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.