Which mode is the natural minor?

• A. Ionian
• B. Dorian
• C. Aeolian
• D. Phrygian

Answer: (C)

In modal theory, the natural minor corresponds to the Aeolian mode. Modes are scales built by starting the major-scale pattern on different degrees, so Ionian is the major scale, while Aeolian, starting on a different degree, produces the natural minor sound. The natural minor shares its key signature with its relative major, and its scale degrees are 1, 2, flat 3, 4, 5, flat 6, flat 7. For example, starting on A within C major yields A natural minor: A B C D E F G A, which shows why it’s heard as minor. Its interval pattern is whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. If you raise the seventh degree (harmonic minor) or also the sixth (melodic minor), you depart from the natural minor sound.