Major scales and natural minor scales are a different series of whole steps and half steps. To be able to distinguish between them, listen carefully to where the half steps occur in the scale.
The major scale will have half steps between the 3rd (mi) and 4th (fa) scale degrees and the 7th (ti) and 8th (do) scale degrees. In the diagrams below a W = whole step and an H = half step. Click the diagram below to hear a C major scale.
| play_circle | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| W | W | H | W | W | W | H |
For a more complete understanding of the Major Scale go to Major Scales.
The natural minor scale will have half steps between the 2nd (re) and 3rd (me) scale degrees and the 5th (so) and 6th (le) scale degrees. Click the diagram below to hear a C minor scale.
| play_circle | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| W | H | W | W | H | W | W |
For a more complete understanding of the Natural Minor Scale go to The Natural Minor Scale.
The key to distinguishing between the two scales is listening to whether there is a half step between the 2nd and 3rd scale degrees. If there is, then it is a minor scale. Another way to think about it is to ask whether the 3rd scale degree sounds like it is lowered from the more common major scale.
Additionally, you can listen to the interval between the 5th and 6th scale degrees. If it is a half step, then it is a natural minor scale.
One final place to check is the interval between the 7th scale degree and the top note. If it is a half step, then it is a major scale.