Major uses 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12. Natural minor uses 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12. The third is the first distinguishing step.
Natural minor
Sounding pitches: E4 · F#4 · G4 · A4 · B4 · C5 · D5 · E5
Keep the first note as tonic while the scale unfolds. The third scale degree is the first pitch that separates these two patterns.
Natural minor scale on E4: 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12 semitones above the tonic.
Major scale
Sounding pitches: E4 · F#4 · G#4 · A4 · B4 · C#5 · D#5 · E5
Compare the major and natural minor sequences. Their third, sixth, and seventh scale degrees differ above the same tonic.
Major scale on E4: 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12 semitones above the tonic.
For aural examples, sounding pitch names are a listening reference. Written-note exercises preserve the displayed spelling.
Check the idea: The natural minor pattern here has no raised leading tone.
Listen through the first three notes before choosing. Use the listed semitone offsets to check your decision.
Identify the pattern across different tonics. In the descending preset, follow the whole sequence back toward the tonic.
Classify new scales from their interval pattern; a familiar starting pitch is not the answer.
Each session starts with two guided questions, then your chosen practice set, followed by two new questions at a different tempo. First answers, same-question retries, and the final check have separate results.
Begin this lesson90 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · With guidance
Major scale, Natural minor
Practice this level95 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · Fewer hints
Major scale, Natural minor
Practice this level100 quarter-note BPM · 4/4 · Fewer hints
Major scale, Natural minor
Practice this levelThe teacher pack includes 10 fixed questions, replay controls, a student sheet, and a separate answer key. The printed key and downloaded JSON use the same questions.
Original synthesized audio · A4 = 440 Hz · mono, 48 kHz WAV.
These references explain the underlying definitions. The examples and practice sequences here are generated for Earstep.