Scale Comparison
Pick two scales and a root note to see exactly which intervals they share and where they diverge.
vs
Quick:
All 12 notes — from A
AR
A#b2
B2
Cb3
C#3
D4
D#b5
E5
Fb6
F#6
Gb7
G#7
Natural Minor only (3)Major only (3)Shared (4)
Scale A
A Natural Minor
ABCDEFG
R 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Darker and more emotive. Used across rock, metal, and classical.
Open on fretboard →Scale B
A Major
ABC#DEF#G#
R 2 3 4 5 6 7
Bright and happy. The foundation of Western music.
Open on fretboard →Degree-by-degree comparison
| # | Natural Minor | Major | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A (R) | A (R) | same |
| 2 | B (2) | B (2) | same |
| 3 | C (b3) | C# (3) | b3 → 3 (1 semitone) |
| 4 | D (4) | D (4) | same |
| 5 | E (5) | E (5) | same |
| 6 | F (b6) | F# (6) | b6 → 6 (1 semitone) |
| 7 | G (b7) | G# (7) | b7 → 7 (1 semitone) |
Natural Minor vs Major: What changes?
Major and Natural Minor share the same seven notes in a relative relationship. Natural minor starts on the 6th degree of the major scale.
Mood difference
Natural minor sounds darker and more emotive than major. The minor 3rd is the primary driver of the minor quality.
Harmonic function
Three degrees differ: the 3rd (♭3), 6th (♭6), and 7th (♭7). These three flattened intervals transform the major sound into minor.