The Minor Scales – Natural Minor Scale

There are three different types of minor scales: a) Natural Minor Scaleb) Melodic Minor Scalec) Harmonic Minor Scale All three minor scales differ from the major scale by having a flattened third note. This is referred to as a minor third. This gives it its sad, minor sound. Let’s look at the natural minor scale first. A) NATURAL MINOR SCALE The Step Pattern is as follows: 1st to … Read More

The Minor Scales – Melodic Minor Scale

B) MELODIC MINOR SCALE The melodic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale in that it has a raised 6th and a raised 7th note. So the step pattern is therefore: So, in the key of A, we get: tone semitone tone tone tone (#6th) semitone (#7th) tone A ^ B ^ C ^ D ^ E ^ F# ^ G# ^ A Frets: 2 … Read More

The Minor Scales – Harmonic Minor Scale

C) HARMONIC MINOR SCALE The harmonic minor scale differs from the natural minor scale in that it has a raised 7th note. This gives it a kind of Eastern or Arabic sound. The step pattern is therefore: So, in the key of A, we get: tone semitone tone tone semitone 1+1/2tone (#7th) semitone A ^ B ^ C ^ D ^ E ^ F … Read More

Applications of Minor Scales

G (NATURAL) MINOR SCALE IN THIRDS (ASCENDING) Also try this descending. Listen: G (NATURAL) MINOR SCALE IN FOURTHS (ASCENDING) Also try this descending. Listen: G (NATURAL) MINOR SCALE IN FIFTHS (ASCENDING) Also try this descending. Listen: ‘GREENSLEEVES’ USING THE G MELODIC MINOR SCALE Listen: