Build the Natural Minor Scale with Key Signature

The way it is done in class: first write the key signature of the minor key, then the natural minor scale. With the key signature in place, every note inherits it; the natural minor scale adds no accidentals of its own.

How to use the exercise: Step 1 (key signature): choose Sharp or Flat and click on the staff to place each accidental of the key signature in its order. Step 2 (scale): with the key signature in place, put in the notes of the scale. They inherit the key signature automatically; press ♮ / ♯ / ♭ only when a note needs an accidental of its own. Undo and Clear work in each step. The magnifier shows what you are about to place.

The natural minor uses the key signature of its relative

Each natural minor scale shares its key signature with its relative major (the major key whose tonic is a minor third above). For example, A minor has no accidentals (like C major) and E minor has one sharp (like G major). Once the key signature is written, the scale is built with the natural note positions, which inherit it.

No accidentals of its own

Unlike the harmonic or melodic minor, the natural minor scale does not raise any degree: its pattern is W-H-W-W-H-W-W (UK: tone and semitone) and all its notes are defined by the key signature. You do not add any sharp or natural sign.

Key	Key signature	Scale
A minor	none	A B C D E F G A
E minor	1♯ (F♯)	E F♯ G A B C D E
D minor	1♭ (B♭)	D E F G A B♭ C D

Printable worksheet (PDF)

The same exercise on paper, for class: eight natural minor scales to write with a key signature: first the key signature, then the scale, with only the accidentals that depart from it. With a separate answer sheet, with the answers in red.

It goes from easier to harder: first key signatures with few accidentals in treble clef, then more accidentals and the bass clef.

Printable PDF worksheet for writing natural minor scales with a key signature — A4 sheet for writing natural minor scales with a key signature.

Download the worksheet (PDF A4) Answers

You may print and photocopy the worksheets freely for the classroom. There are also worksheets of this same type for identifying and writing, and in the scales index you can create custom worksheets, mixing whichever types you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

What key signature does a natural minor scale have?

The same as its relative major: A minor has no accidentals, E minor has 1 sharp, D minor has 1 flat, and so on.

Do I write any accidentals on the notes?

No. The natural minor scale inherits its whole key signature and raises no degree, so it is written with no added accidentals.

What is the difference from the harmonic and melodic minor scales?

The natural minor does not alter any degree; the harmonic minor raises the 7th, and the melodic minor raises the 6th and the 7th when ascending. Those raised degrees are not in the key signature; they are written as accidentals.

How do I find the relative major?

Go up a minor third (three half steps) from the minor tonic: the relative of A minor is C major; the relative of E minor is G major.

Practice these scales with the online metronome and check your tuning with the online tuner. You can also try the version with the accidentals written note by note.