Intervals & Scales

Minor scale

A minor scale is a sequence of musical notes in which the third scale degree is a minor third above the tonic. The notes A–B–C–D–E–F–G form a prototypical minor scale. There are three common types of

Also known as: Melodic minor scale

Natural minor#

The natural minor scale is the diatonic Aeolian mode. It can be played on the white keys of the piano as A–B–C–D–E–F–G. Because this A minor scale shares a key signature with the C major scale, the two are considered relatives. The major scale sits a third above its relative minor. The major and natural minor scales have the same collection of intervals: two semitones and five whole tones. Beginning in the 17th century, they were the two dominant modes of tonal music. The resulting harmonies are quite different from the major scale. The tonic chord (A–C–E) is minor, as are the subdominant (D–F–A) and dominant chords (E–G–B). The absence of the leading tone made composing a satisfactory cadence difficult. This problem gave rise to the two common variations of the natural minor scale. The term “natural minor” was not in common use until the twentieth century.

Harmonic minor#

The first solution to the minor scale’s missing leading tone was to simply restore it. This modification became known as the harmonic minor scale. The configuration creates an augmented second between the sixth and seventh scale degrees. Because of the melodic awkwardness of this interval, the harmonic minor scale prompted further refinement. Ludwig van Beethoven often relied on the upper tetrachord of the harmonic minor scale to create tonal ambiguity and maximize chromaticism in later works like the Grosse Fuge. Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov considered the harmonic minor scale as part of the “basis of harmony”. He also introduced the term “harmonic major scale” for a major scale with a lowered sixth. Worcester Cathedral rings its “Harmonic Minor 10” on solemn occasions like Good Friday and Armistice Day. The church bells are half-muffled and play a pattern based on a descending minor scale. Spirituals like “Go Down Moses” and “Soon I Will Be Done” employ the harmonic minor scale. In popular music, shredders like Yngwie Malmsteen made liberal use of harmonic minor scales as they expanded the vernacular of the guitar solo beyond the blues scale. Heavy metal guitarists often orient their use of the harmonic minor scale around the dominant, which introduces a Phrygian flavor to their melodies. The Hungarian minor scale is a harmonic minor scale with a raised 4th degree. The Neapolitan minor scale is a harmonic minor scale with a lowered second scale degree.

Melodic minor#

Given the awkwardness of the harmonic minor’s augmented second, composers developed another version of the scale known as the melodic minor. Elton John uses a melodic minor scale in “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”.

Other scales#

Scales with a minor third or a minor tonic triad are often referred to as minor. The Dorian mode is the most common example. The Phrygian mode is also considered minor.

External links#

Harmonised minor scale recordings.
Natural Minor Scales diagrammed on a virtual piano