Scale
D natural minor scale on piano
The D natural minor scale is D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, returning to D. It uses 1 black key. The usual right-hand fingering is 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5, tucking the thumb under after the third note.
D · E · F · G · A · Bb · C
What is the fingering for the D natural minor scale?
Right hand: 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5. Start with the thumb on D and tuck it under after the third note so the hand can carry on without stopping. The left hand mirrors it, starting with the little finger.
Why learn this scale?
A scale is the set of notes a piece is built from. Learning D natural minor means the notes of any piece in that key are already under your fingers, and the chords come from the same set. It is pattern practice, not a test.
Open the scale explorer to see any scale drawn on a keyboard, or practise reading it on the note trainer.