Which mode is described as natural minor; flat 3, 6, 7?

• A. Ionian mode
• B. Aeolian
• C. Mixolydian
• D. Locrian

Answer: (C)

Natural minor is the Aeolian mode. It’s defined by lowering the 3rd, 6th, and 7th scale degrees compared to the major scale of the same tonic. For example, on A, the major scale is A B C# D E F# G#. The natural minor on A uses A B C D E F G. Notice the 3rd becomes C instead of C#, the 6th becomes F instead of F#, and the 7th becomes G instead of G#. That combination—flat 3, flat 6, flat 7—gives the distinctive natural minor sound. Mixolydian would flatten only the 7th, Ionian has no flats, and Locrian involves other alterations (like a flat 2 and a diminished fifth), so the description matches Aeolian, the natural minor.