Violin · Free scale reference
A natural minor scale for violin
A natural minor on violin uses A, B, C, D, E, F, G. This reference starts on A3 and offers 1- and 2-octave scales with matching arpeggios. Read the sounding pitches, check the available lower-position fingerings, and listen to the model before practising. Unlisted fingerings need a teacher-chosen route.
Updated · Original Arco routines · No signup
Instrument and notation
Read the treble-clef staff from the starting pitch, then plan each string crossing. A fourth-finger note may match the next open string, but the alternatives in the table are not a complete fingering route. Keep the chosen route consistent for one repetition before trying a different colour.
This is natural minor in both directions. Harmonic and melodic minor have different pitch choices and are not substituted into these examples.
Notation and audio model
Free playback, with no account or microphone. The model supplies pitch and timing; it does not demonstrate bow technique or assess your playing.
Opening the staff notation. The complete note sequence is available below.
Audio is stopped. Nothing is recorded.
Complete note sequences
Read these without playback or JavaScript. Each octave number refers to sounding pitch. Follow each sequence up and back down; the final tonic is held for four quarter-note beats. Use a separate bow on each new note and sustain tied notation without a new attack.
A natural minor scale · 1 octave
A3 → B3 → C4 → D4 → E4 → F4 → G4 → A4 → G4 → F4 → E4 → D4 → C4 → B3 → A3
Some pitches need a teacher-chosen fingering or position change.
A natural minor arpeggio · 1 octave
A3 → C4 → E4 → A4 → E4 → C4 → A3
Each pitch has at least one lower-position reference option; check the complete route with your teacher.
A natural minor scale · 2 octaves
A3 → B3 → C4 → D4 → E4 → F4 → G4 → A4 → B4 → C5 → D5 → E5 → F5 → G5 → A5 → G5 → F5 → E5 → D5 → C5 → B4 → A4 → G4 → F4 → E4 → D4 → C4 → B3 → A3
Some pitches need a teacher-chosen fingering or position change.
A natural minor arpeggio · 2 octaves
A3 → C4 → E4 → A4 → C5 → E5 → A5 → E5 → C5 → A4 → E4 → C4 → A3
Some pitches need a teacher-chosen fingering or position change.
Sounding notes and available fingerings
Only exact matches in the existing lower-position reference appear here. This is not an exhaustive fingering chart. A missing reference does not mean the note is unplayable, and several alternatives do not prescribe which string to use.
| Sounding pitch | Lower-position reference |
|---|---|
| A3 | G string: finger 1 |
| B3 | G string: finger 2 |
| C4 | G string: finger 3 |
| D4 | G string: finger 4; alternative: D string: open |
| E4 | D string: finger 1 |
| F4 | No reference fingering, ask your teacher |
| G4 | D string: finger 3 |
| A4 | D string: finger 4; alternative: A string: open |
| B4 | A string: finger 1 |
| C5 | No reference fingering, ask your teacher |
| D5 | A string: finger 3 |
| E5 | A string: finger 4; alternative: E string: open |
| F5 | No reference fingering, ask your teacher |
| G5 | E string: finger 2 |
| A5 | E string: finger 3 |
Practise this key
Name the notes and check the starting register
Say A – B – C – D – E – F – G in order, then locate A3 on your violin. The one-octave scale reaches A4. Check your open strings (G3, D4, A4, E5) before comparing stopped pitches.
Choose a complete fingering route
Read the 15 distinct sounding pitches in the table. 3 have no match in the existing lower-position reference. Where alternatives are listed, choose one string deliberately; the table does not prescribe a shift, extension, or string-crossing sequence.
Listen, then practise a small section
Listen to the pitch-and-timing model at a comfortable tempo, then stop it and try a short ascending group with separate bows. A slower model changes timing, not fingering difficulty. Do not force an unfamiliar position or continue through pain or strain.
Connect the scale with its arpeggio
Compare the scale with the arpeggio, which keeps A, C, and E. Keep the pulse steady across the wider intervals. Return down the same pitch collection; this is natural minor in both directions, not melodic or harmonic minor.
Questions about this reference
- What are the notes of A natural minor on violin?
- A, B, C, D, E, F, G. The note collection stays the same in each octave; the printed octave number identifies the sounding register. The first routine runs from A3 to A4 and back.
- Does every pitch have a fingering?
- No. Only exact matches in Arco’s existing lower-position reference are listed. Alternatives are not a prescribed route, and an unmatched pitch needs teacher guidance. Range coverage does not establish that a routine is suitable for a beginner.
- Is this an exam-board scale prescription?
- No. These are original Arco practice routines. Key, octaves, fingering, bowing and tempo are not certified against an exam syllabus. Check the current official requirements for your own exam separately.
- Does the audio assess my playing?
- No. Playback is an output-only pitch-and-timing model. It does not use your microphone, demonstrate physical bow technique, or judge intonation, tone or exam readiness.