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What pattern of steps forms a natural minor scale?

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The natural minor scale is a heptatonic scale that follows a specific pattern of whole steps and half steps (semitones). In Western music, this sequence is defined by the following arrangement of intervals:

  • Whole step
  • Half step
  • Whole step
  • Whole step
  • Half step
  • Whole step
  • Whole step

This pattern corresponds to the Aeolian mode. The natural minor scale is constructed by lowering the third, sixth, and seventh tones of the major scale by a half step. For example, the natural C minor scale consists of the notes C-D-E♭-F-G-A♭-B♭-C.12