natural minor scale
The minor scale in its unaltered form, identical to the Aeolian mode, with semitones between degrees 2-3 and 5-6
In Depth
The natural minor scale has the interval pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W, producing a dark, melancholic quality. Unlike the harmonic and melodic minor scales, it contains no raised sixth or seventh, meaning it lacks a leading tone. This absence gives the natural minor a modal quality and makes authentic cadences impossible without borrowing the raised seventh from harmonic minor. The natural minor is the foundation of the Aeolian mode and is the default minor scale in popular music, folk music, and modal jazz.
Most pop and rock songs in minor keys use the natural minor exclusively, avoiding the raised seventh that classical composers considered essential for proper cadences.