Lesson 4
Minor scales

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minor scales

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7

Minor scale forms

The minor scale has three forms:  natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor. These have evolved over the centuries, and each form has its own unique characteristics.

3 forms of the minor scale

natural minor

This scale uses the pitches naturally indicated by the key signature.

harmonic minor

Raise the seventh scale degree of the natural minor scale by one half step. This results in a skip of 1 1/2 steps between the sixth and seventh scale degrees. It also creates a half step between seven and one (tonic).


melodic minor

Ascending--Raise the sixth and seventh scale degrees of the natural minor scale by one half step each.

Descending--Return the sixth and seventh scale degrees to their original pitch as found in the natural minor scale.


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