Minor Scales Definitions Three types Natural a scale

Minor Scales

Definitions • Three types: – Natural: a scale having half steps between the second and third, and fifth and sixth degrees, with whole steps for the other intervals – Harmonic: a scale having half steps between the second and third, fifth and sixth, and seventh and eighth degrees, with whole steps for the other intervals. – Melodic: a scale having half steps between the third and fourth degree lowered a half step when ascending, and the seventh, sixth, and third degrees lowered a half step when descending, with whole steps for the other intervals. • Each minor scale has its own particular formula to create the right sound, that makes it unique.

Natural Minor Formula • Sequence of steps: Whole, half, whole, whole Or • In semitones: two, one, two, two (2 1 2 2)

Harmonic Minor Formula • Sequence of steps: whole, half, whole-and-a-half, half Or • In semitones: two, one, three, one (2 1 2 2 1 3 1)

Melodic Minor Formula • Sequence of steps (ascending): whole, half, whole, half • Sequence of steps (descending): Whole, half, whole, whole (same as natural minor) Or • In semitones (ascending): two, one, two, one (2 1 2 2 1) • In semitones (descending) two, one, two, two (2 1 2 2)

Audio Clips • Natural Minor • Harmonic Minor • Melodic Minor