A minor scale: natural, harmonic and melodic

A minor scale: natural, harmonic and melodic

First, a scale is a series of notes ordered by pitch. A minor scale has a sadder or more emotional sound than a major scale. Scales are used extensively in different music styles to create certain moods. There are three main types of minor scales: natural, harmonic, and melodic. Let's check them out.

Natural A minor Scale​

The natural minor scale is the most straightforward type of minor scale. It follows a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between the notes:
  • Pattern: W – H – W – W – H – W – W

Example in A minor:​

  • A (root)
  • B (whole step up)
  • C (half step up)
  • D (whole step up)
  • E (whole step up)
  • F (half step up)
  • G (whole step up)
  • A (whole step up to complete the octave)
Remember: "whole step" means skipping a key, and "half step" means going to the next key.

Harmonic A minor scale​

This one gets a bit spicy. It raises the 7th note of the natural minor scale by a half step, creating a leading tone that pulls strongly to the tonic (the main note of the scale).
  • Pattern: W – H – W – W – H – 1½ steps – H

Example in A harmonic minor:​

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G# (raised 7th)
  • A
The raised 7th (G#) gives the scale a distinctive tension, especially for creating strong melodic resolutions.

Melodic A minor scale​

This one is a bit of a shape-shifter. It changes depending on whether you're going up or down the scale. Going up, it raises the 6th and 7th notes of the natural minor scale by a half step. Going down, it reverts to the natural minor scale.
  • Ascending Pattern: W – H – W – W – W – W – H
  • Descending Pattern: W – W – H – W – W – H – W

Example in A melodic minor:​

Ascending:
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F# (raised 6th)
  • G# (raised 7th)
  • A
Descending:
  • A
  • G
  • F
  • E
  • D
  • C
  • B
  • A
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