E minor contains one sharp (F♯) and is the most-played minor key on guitar, where open strings provide full, resonant voicings. It is a staple of rock, metal, and folk music — from flamenco to heavy metal, E minor is everywhere. Its low register on guitar gives it a dark, grounded weight.
The natural minor scale darkens the major scale by lowering the 3rd, 6th, and 7th degrees. The minor 3rd is the single interval that shifts the emotional quality from bright to melancholic, while the minor 6th and 7th add deeper somber color.
The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.
The diatonic chords in E Natural Minor are: Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C, D. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Natural Minor?
E minor contains one sharp (F♯) and is the most-played minor key on guitar, where open strings provide full, resonant voicings. It is a staple of rock, metal, and folk music — from flamenco to heavy metal, E minor is everywhere. Its low register on guitar gives it a dark, grounded weight.
What notes are in the E Natural Minor?
The E Natural Minor contains the notes: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D. This is a 7-note scale starting from E.
How many chords does the E Natural Minor have?
The E Natural Minor produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Em, F#dim, G, Am, Bm, C, D.
What is the formula for the Natural Minor?
The Natural Minor follows the interval formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
E is at the 4 o'clock position. Related keys: B (dominant), A (subdominant), C# (relative minor), F# (supertonic), D (subtonic).