One of the most important scales used in Rock and Metal lead guitar playing is the natural minor scale. Its formula is shown below, along with the fingering for the E form of C natural minor. The natural minor is similar to the minor pentatonic, but it has two extra notes – the 2nd and flattened 6th degrees.
Formula – 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
C Natural minor = C D Eb F G Ab Bb
Here is a lick derived from the natural minor scale. Once you can play it, move it up and down the fretboard to several other keys.
Here are some more natural minor licks in different keys. The first is in A minor and the second is in E minor. Try using the ideas presented here to create some of your own licks.